The Australian back rower was named as the Raiders Player of the Season in 2007 and has been in exceptional form again this campaign.
Leigh were hopeful of landing his signature with coach Neil Kelly stating: "If we manage to land him, I see him as a direct replacement for Lee Doran."


The Centurions also have their sights set on Wigan Warriors' 23-year-old centre or full back Sam Reay, and are hoping (like Armistead) they can have the deal done by the time the Leigh Reporter goes to print.
But that is not the end of it as Kelly continues his recruitment for the 2009 season.
"We have targeted a couple of back row forwards, one of which can also play at half back, and we are optimistic that they will be headed for Leigh too," he said. "Until we have pen to paper we won't reveal their names, in case there is a last minute hitch, and I think that is the best policy. But I think the fans will be more than happy if the deals come off."


Leigh obviously have to look for the replacements for the players that they have lost from the 2008 seasons squad. Chris Giles, Mike Wainwright , Tom Woodcock and John Hill have been released, Toa Kohe-Love and Lee Doran have returned to Widnes and Dennis Moran has retired.


"We have had seven go and are looking to bring six back in, including confirmed signings Stuart Donlan and Nick Stanton," said Kelly. "We are particularly disappointed to lose Lee Doran, but we respect his decision to return to Widnes.
"He left them to come to Leigh under special circumstances, the club being in financial trouble, and we wish him well on his return.
"He gave us tremendous service in his season here and we thank him for his contribution, as indeed we do all the players who have departed.
"The players now have a month off, before returning to training on the first weekend in November, and then we will carry out the hard work preparing for the 2009 season."


Meanwhile Lee Doran was the only member of the Leigh Centurions squad to make the Co-operative National League One team of the year.
The second row forward's form has been outstanding throughout a generally disappointing season for the club as a whole. Nevertheless there was no shortage of links with Leigh for other players named in the outstanding team of the season.


Sean Penkywicz of Halifax, a former Leigh East player was also included, while ex-Leigh Super League season stalwarts John Wilshere and Craig Stapleton, both now at Salford were not only in the Team of the Year, but also nominated for the Player of the Year Award. In the end that award went to Celtic Crusaders' stand off Damien Quinn. Widnes Vikings winger Dean Gaskell was also another ex-Leigh player to make the side.


The Coach of the Year was Salford City Reds Shaun McRae after leading his side to the Northern Rail Cup victory, the League Leaders trophy and Sunday's Grand Final against Celtic Crusaders.


Co-operative National One All Stars Team of the Year.
1. Tony Duggan (Celtic Crusaders)
2. Dean Gaskell (Widnes Vikings)
3. Mark Dalle Cort (Celtic Crusaders)
4. John Wilshere (Salford City Reds)
5. Paul White (Salford City Reds)
6. Damien Quinn (Celtic Crusaders)
7. Richard Myler (Salford City Reds)
8. Craig Stapleton (Salford City Reds)
9. Sean Penkywicz (Halifax)
10. Phillip Leuluai (Salford City Reds)
11. Lee Doran (Leigh Centurions)
12. Darren Mapp (Celtic Crusaders)
13. Neale Wyatt (Celtic Crusaders)