WELSH international front rower Gareth Price is the latest Super League player to see a switch to Leigh Centurions as a good career move.

The 21-year-old who played in last year's World Cup and July's international against England alongside fellow Centurions Dave Whittle and Chris Morley, has moved to Hilton Park from St Helens on a one year contract with a one year option.

Price is Leigh's eighth close season signing. He came out of contract at Knowsley Road last week, prompting Leigh to make their move for a player they see as a ready-made replacement for Tim Street.

Explained head coach Paul Terzis: "Gareth is a player we've been keeping an eye on for a couple of years now. He's only 21 and we feel he's got the potential to stay with this club for a number of years.

"It was an area we were looking to strengthen and with his youth and ability we expect big things. But it maybe midway through the season before we see the best of him."

Price has not figured in Saints senior team this season but the previous year made 11 Super League appearances.

Another recruit is teenage back rower Anthony Blackwood - a two-try star in Leigh Academy's Grand Final defeat by Featherstone a couple of weeks ago.

Blackwood has signed a two-year professional contract with the club where he joins Academy team-mates Peter Clark, Chris Brindle and Chris Smith.

Leigh will be fielding teams in both Academy age groups next season after the RFL's decision to disband the Alliance competition.

Instead of the reserve grade competition, a two-tier Academy system has been put in place with teams operating at Under 19s and Under 17s.

Terzis isn't in agreement with the loss of reserve grade but is keen to field teams in both youth competitions.

"We are led to believe that the Under 19s will be allowed to field three players who are over age, yet under 21. The competition will run along similar lines to this year with play-offs and a Grand Final.

"The Under 17s competition will be more of an introduction for younger players. It's likely to run for eight weeks with play-offs to follow."

Leigh may play Oldham in a pre-season trial game on November 18 as part of Mike Ford's Testimonial. Details are still being finalised and if the game goes ahead it's likely to be the Centurions' only pre-season game because of the length of the campaign.

Leigh fans will be able to say goodbye to the players who have left the club in the close season and the new arrivals when they stage a 'Thank You' day in the Mick Martyn bar on Sunday.

The fun starts at 3pm with a £10 carvery scheduled for 7pm. Entrance £1.