Ben Flower looking forward to Leigh Centurions move

The prop, whose Wigan deal has expired, has signed a one-year contract with the Championship outfit.

Wigantoday revealed earlier this month that Leigh had emerged as front-runners for his signature.

Flower said: “I have spoken to (coach) John Duffy a lot recently and I’m really impressed. He’s someone who builds a good relationship with his players and knows how to get the best out of them.

"A lot of people I know have sung his praises and I’m looking forward to training with a new bunch of lads.”

The 33-year-old had agreed a deal to join Toronto Wolfpack for next season.

But after the decision to leave the expansion club out of Super League in 2021 – following their withdrawal this year – he was left searching for a new future employer.

Flower was denied a Grand Final farewell from Wigan after injuring his hamstring in their semi-final victory against Hull FC.

The Welshman joined Wigan from Crusaders in 2012 and - while he hit the headlines in 2014 for his Grand Final red card - he has become a cornerstone of the pack over the last few years, winning three Grand Finals, a World Club Challenge and a Challenge Cup with the Warriors.

Fringe Warriors back Craig Mullen has also joined Leigh, who have lodged an application to join Super League next season.

Centurions coach John Duffy said: “Ben is a player who has been there and done it all. He comes from a top team and we will be looking to him to lead from the front.

“We are building a formidable squad and I can’t wait to start working with them. In the meetings I’ve had with Ben, it’s clear to me that he’s a leader and someone the other players can look up to and also learn from.

“He’s a real tough competitor, a non-nonsense player and an excellent addition to what is already a very strong squad full of Super League, NRL and international experience.”

Flower is not the only Wigan player set to depart this season – winger Joe Burgess is heading to Super League rivals Salford, though the move hasn’t been confirmed, while fringe backrower Jack Wells is also expected to join him at the Red Devils.

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