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Leigh Centurions snap up former Super League winger

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of Kieran Dixon following a successful trial period as the latest addition to Adrian Lam’s squad ahead of the start of the Betfred Championship season.

Hackney born Dixon, 29, is a former England Knights international who has been a prolific scorer throughout his career, amassing 141 tries in 203 career games for London Broncos, Hull KR and York City Knights. He has also kicked 284 goals for a career tally to date of 1,132 points.

Head of Rugby Chris Chester signed Dixon during his time as head coach on Humberside and was pleased to bring him on board at Leigh Sports Village when the opportunity arose.

“I’ve known Kieran for a number of years, and first signed him from London at the end of the 2014 season,” Chester said.

“He had got a bad knee injury after playing for England Knights, but we knew the talent he had, and he applied himself rigorously to get back to fitness. He played an important role in 2015, helping us reach the Challenge Cup Final and scoring 22 tries that season.

“He’s a match-winner who brings versatility to the squad in that he can play anywhere in the outside backs and has a high percentage goal-kicking record as well.

“I first spoke to his agent about him coming to Leigh about six weeks ago and since then he has backed himself by training with our squad and building up his fitness and strength. Adrian Lam has been pleased with the progress he has made, and we are both impressed by the way he backed himself in pre-season to get a contract. I’m really happy with the signing.”

After two years at Hull KR, Dixon returned to the Broncos, where he started out on his career, and was a member of their side that famously earned promotion to Super League by winning the Million Pound Game in Toronto in 2018. Broncos were one win away from staying in the top-flight the following year, ironically losing their last game to Chris Chester’s Wakefield Trinity in a winner-takes-all season climax.

After the Broncos’ Championship campaign in 2020 was halted by the pandemic, Dixon played for York in 2021, scoring 11 tries and kicking 77 goals in 20 games.

“Kieran has a burning desire to get back into Super League and sometimes you have to take one step back to go forward again,” Chester added.

“He wants a full-time environment, which we can offer, and during his time with us he’s seen the facilities we have and the squad we are assembling, and he’s taken a punt on himself which has paid off.

“It’s a positive move for Kieran and for ourselves. His arrival thickens up our squad and shows that we are continuing to strengthen with quality signings.”

Kieran Dixon said: “I am delighted to get sorted out and be playing in a full time environment again and to sign for Leigh Centurions. I have been here a few weeks and wanted to prove myself. I enjoy scoring tries and also enjoy the responsibility of goal kicking.

“There is a great team spirit here and I am really looking forward to pulling on a Leigh Centurions jersey and helping the club succeed. Looking forward to getting out there on the pitch in Alex Walmsley’s Testimonial game. Training and conditioning is fun but being involved in a games is where I want to be.”

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