Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of Rangi Chase on a two-year contract with the Club having the option of a further year.
Chase, a former Man of Steel and Albert Goldthorpe Medal winner, joins from Salford Red Devils, where he made 42 appearances in the past two years after joining them from Castleford Tigers.
Centurions coach Paul Rowley said: “Rangi has undoubted class that I am sure will flourish within our team. I will look forward to challenging Rangi in different roles to ensure we bring the best out of him and that the team benefits from his presence.”
Leigh head of rugby Derek Beaumont said: “Rangi is a class act with a wide array of skills that are rarely seen in a player. He is a game breaker and is often referred to as a magician by the things he does that amazes the eyes. He is a very special player and one that I believe will light up the Championship and bring even more focus and media attention to the division, which can only be good for all the participating clubs.
“I have spent a lot of time talking to Rangi with Rolls and Jukesy (Head Coach Paul Rowley and Assistant Coach Neil Jukes) and as well as playing what he sees Rangi can run a game plan and a structure that affords him times when he can express himself.
“He is the icing on the cake, complimenting some impressive signings we have made which sets a clear intention to continue in our quest for Super League. We have lacked competition in the halves and were a bit broken towards the end but Rangi will certainly mix that up and I just can’t wait to see him get the ball in hand at our training camp in Lanzarote.
“Our existing players are excited at having the chance to play with Rangi and others joining us have already experienced that, so we should have a good balance once we get going. It was no easy task convincing Rangi that Leigh is the right place for him. It takes a lot for a player of that quality to step down a level but he has seen other international players do that and it gives one courage to do the same. He has bought into the challenge and the journey we are going to embrace and is under no illusions as to how tough it is in the Championship. He is looking forward to it and he has a really good vibe about him. I know our fans will welcome him with open arms.”
