Leigh Centurions are pleased to confirm the immediate signing of France international centre Mathias Pala from the Catalans Dragons.

The Club has paid a nominal transfer fee to secure Pala’s services. The 26-year-old joins the Centurions on a contract up until the end of 2016 with the Club having the option of a further year.
Born in Limoux of Italian descent, Pala came through the ranks of his home town club and has also played for Balmain Tigers in Australia and St Esteve. He made his Super League debut for the Dragons against Bradford Bulls in 2011 and has made 33 appearances for the club, scoring four tries.

Pala made his international debut for France against England in 2011 and missed out on the 2013 World Cup due to injury. He played for France against Ireland, Wales and Scotland in the 2014 European Championship series, featuring in the final two games as fullback and scoring two tries in the victory over Wales.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: “We were made aware of Mathias earlier this year when his agent was in the UK. Ando (Reserves Head Coach Paul Anderson) and me were impressed with what we saw‎ and discussed him with Rolls when he returned from his break.

“Mathias is very strong with good feet and is proven at Super League and international level so is a positive addition to our family. Losing Michael Platt at this stage with an operation needed on his knee is an obvious blow and Mathias neutralises that initial loss and in the longer term on Platty’s return to fitness gives us more strength in depth.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming Mathias and ensuring he settles in with us quickly to put himself in contention for our next home game against Sheffield. I am sure our fantastic fans will welcome Mathias with open arms and he will soon learn from them the Leyth language."

Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “It's good to have Mathias join us as we approach the business end of the season. He's been on our radar for a while but we were more than happy with the players we had. However losing Platty we need to keep up the competition in that area to ensure the pressure in all areas remains consistent. I welcome Mathias to the club and look forward to his arrival."

Once again, well done to the club.

Top signing
well done Derek and co

I've never seen him play, so can't comment, but hopefully he's someone that can come in and improve the starting 13.

Have to say I'm surprised we're making another new signing, even with the injury to Platt. Didn't we start with a squad of over 30 full time players? With Armstrong, Worthington and Higson all available to play centre, and Pitman out on loan (not sure if he can be recalled?) I thought we'd have had enough depth to get us through the season.

Very few people will have seen the bloke play so how Leigh fans can say it's a good signing is a mystery he may well turn out to be a good signing but I never jump to conclusions till I've seen a bloke play,hopefully he will be a good addition.
As for the other squad players ?If Platt is injured then it's good to have quality cover , I don't think it means Armstrong is on the way out of the Club though, just adds to competition ,in my view we need a class winger as well,our forwards are plentiful and we have Ben Reynolds to step in at halfback,personally I don't think Cameron Pitman is SL material, just my opinion though, let's see what happens when this French lad plays.

Only averaged 8 games a season ?

Not jus about this season though he's signed up for next too! From what I've seen of him he's a big lump! Decent signing and will strengthen us!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WoFFJh1qtU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WoFFJh1qtU

According to Catalans' website, he is 91kg (14stone 4lbs) and 179cm. (5feet 10inches)

Is he cup tied or can we use him in CC?

Didn't play against Featherstone in the previous round, but not sure on eligibility ruling these days.

Played 4 SL games this season, but like Alan says, not sure if there is a deadline/eligibility for Challenge Cup.

According to RL Express this week - Cameron Pitman has picked up a groin injury and is waiting to see a Specialist.
We have waited a long long time at Leigh for a management team that have the strategic vision that these guys possess. They are clearly also ready and able to respond quickly to situations as and when they arise.
I sincerely hope we can make it into Super League this season as the management team are, without any doubt, doing everthing in their power to make it happen.
In the meantime we need to continue to enjoy a great ride and to trust the management team in their decision making.
Best wishes to both Cameron Pitman and Michael Platt for speedy recoveries from their injuries.