"Ian has been a tremendous asset for us all season," said chief executive, Allan Rowley. "And we were delighted to offer him a new contract. His influence is not just on the field but off it too, where he is a model professional and we are delighted that he has opted to stay with us."


Halifax were among the clubs keen to secure Watson's services, but Leigh coach Neil Kelly was determined to keep him at the club.
"Ian has been a terrific asset," said Kelly. "His professional attitude to training and the club generally has been just the sort of role model the young players coming through need. He assists in making sure we have the right environment at the club and I am delighted he is staying."


Of the young players who played at Batley last Sunday, Kelly had nothing but praise.
"They did exceptionally well," said Kelly. "We made a couple of changes to help players get over niggling knocks, and a couple of others were forced up on us, but the youngsters stepped in and did superbly.
"I took the decision to leave out Dave Alstead and James Taylor so that they could recover from on going shoulder problems. With the rest this week because of the Challenge Cup Final, the physio thought it would do them the power of good and I was happy to go with that. Toa Kohe Love and Dennis Moran had knee and wrist injuries respectively and their absence was a late call.

"But I must give praise to those who came in, and especially Jamie Smith, who was a last minute call up and scored a good try with his first touch of the ball. Ian Mort too played superbly scoring a try and having a hand in another, as well as being exceptionally solid at the back.

"Dave McConnell was terrific and the switch of Mike Wainwright was particularly encouraging. I was very pleased with the way it all worked out and the way the players played.
"The only down side was the fact that we conceded three tries just before half time, and that is an area we will address. It is no good playing well for 30 minutes half and then knocking off for 10. But we will sort that out."


Leigh are now in confirmed in fourth place and have a home tie against Whitehaven in the play offs probably on September 7.
"We are still awaiting confirmation," added Rowley. "It depends on whether Sky decide to televise our game or Halifax against Widnes. But whenever it is played, it could be our last game at Hilton Park.
"We have all loved Hilton Park, but we are all looking forward to our move to the new ground next season.

LEIGH Centurions have announced the re-signing of two talented young players for next season.
The club have announced that Ian Mort and Mike Morrison will be playing their rugby at Leigh in 2009.
The promising news follows the announcement that the club had also secured the signature of Adam Higson.
Head coach Neil Kelly said: "I'm made up with the double signing.
"Both players have seen the speed in which we secured Adam to the club. We are trying to build a side and build it with predominantly north west players. Mike and Ian fit the bill. They are quality players and two more that we've attracted to stay longer. It bodes well for the future.
"I want to secure as many players, and particularly younger ones, that help make us a good side.
"It is significant that all three players, including Adam, are playing an active part now in a side that is doing well in this competition and harbour ambitions to do well both in the short and long term."