INTERNATIONAL speedster John Wilshere is winging in to join Leigh Centurions.

The Papua New Guinea Test star was released by Warrington last month on medical grounds but Leigh are now happy hes made a full recovery and he becomes the clubs 11th new signing.

Wilshere, 26, is at home in any of the threequarter positions, but especially on the wing, having had a wealth of first grade experience with leading Australian clubs St George Illawarra, Melbourne and Penrith. he is also an accomplished goal-kicker and will serve as back-up to Neil Turley.

Injury restricted him to just five Super League appearances with the Wolves last season and his contract was terminated.

Coach Darren Abram said: "John is a big, strong running player who has gaining experienced in Super League and the NRL. He had an unfortunate time at Warrington but has the opportunity with Leigh Centurions to show why he is an international player. John will bring size, speed and agility to the backs, plus he is a natural try scoring player as well.

Wilshere says: "I have not been able to fully show my ability due to injury. I am now fully fit and cannot wait to pull a shirt on and get playing for Leigh and put last seasons frustrations behind me.

Leigh have also signed hooker Kieron Maddocks from their Academy set-up as well as promising winger Tommy Draper from the Hindley club.

Two players not offered Super League contracts, prop Mike Callan and second row Tommy Grundy, are talking to other clubs. Callan is attracting interest from Oldham and Rochdale while Grundy is wanted by Barrow and Oldham. Another player released by Leigh, second rower Andrew Isherwood, has joined Oldham.

Willie Swann is expected to be named as the first captain of the new Blackpool West Coast Panthers club this week. The Panthers will replace Chorley Lynx in NL2 and be based at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool FC.

Former Leigh chief executive Allan Rowley will take up the same role with the Panthers who will have ex-Leigh boss Bobby Hope as chairman and well-known Leigh businessman Dave Rowlands as a director.