Leigh Centurions have signed Saints three-quarter Matty Dawson on a contract until the end of November 2018.

Dawson, 25, will join Leigh Centurions with immediate effect after the clubs agreed a five figure transfer fee.

A former Castleford Tigers junior who was a regular at halfback in the Tigers' U20s side in 2010, he joined Huddersfield Giants in October 2010 and went on to make his Super League debut on the wing against Warrington in 2012.

He made a further four appearances for the Giants in 2013 and also scored three tries in ten games for Doncaster on dual registration before following former Giants coach Nathan Brown to St Helens.

In the past three seasons he has scored 16 tries in 50 games for Saints and also enjoyed a productive dual registration spell with Rochdale Hornets in 2014, scoring four tries in five games.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have got Matty over the line.

"We've been watching him develop over the year. He's had lots of opportunities at St Helens and we've been highly impressed with him.

"We highlighted him some time ago and big thanks to Derek for securing his services. Matty will have a big part to play this year and in the years ahead. He is everything you are looking for in an outside back and as a person who will fit easily into our set-up on and off the field."

Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: "Matty is a big, strong athlete who has consistently appeared for Saints this season and is a quality acquisition for our back line.

"Last year we didn't have any contracts up and went into the 8s as we were.

"However, this year it is no secret that a lot of contracts are up and that has given us the opportunity to strengthen now with players that will join us next year and Matty fits that bill.

"I am pleased we were able to convince Matty to join us irrespective of the competition we are in as it's a big step having been at a top club like Saints.

"I would like to thank Martin Shuttleworth, his agent and St Helens, in particular Mike Rush, for their assistance in enabling this to take place.

"I am really looking forward to seeing Matty in a Leigh shirt."

Saints Chief Executive Mike Rush said: "Matty is at a time in his career when he needs to be playing regularly.

"Therefore when the opportunity for him to move to Leigh came up it made sense for the both player and the Club to agree to the transfer.

"We are grateful for Matty's service and professionalism and we wish him all the best at Leigh."