THREE years after leaving Hilton Park, Radney Bowker is back with his hometown club eager to use his Super League know-how to help guide Leigh Centurions to the elite division.

Bowker re-signed for the club on Saturday morning after negotiating an early release from London Broncos and after turning down several other offers from leading National League One sides.

He had his first serious training session with the Centurions on Monday night and has been included in the squad for Sunday's Arriva Trains group qualifier at Chorley.

Despite being at five clubs in the last three years, coach Darren Abram feels Bowker has plenty to offer in Leigh's promotion campaign.

"Sure he's moved around a lot," but he's picked up some great Super League experience along the way and that can only benefit us," Abram says.

Bowker, equally at home in either half-back position, centre or loose-forward, is still only 25 and Abram sees his versatility as a huge plus.

"He can cover a number of positions for us and put pressure on other people. He's a skilful player with loads of class and I'm always interested in players with ability," Abram added.

"But the one thing that came over in our talks was his desire to play for his hometown club again. I'm sure he could have picked up better money at Hull KR, Featherstone or Rochdale who were all sniffing, but the pull of Leigh was a strong one.

"Fans will see a different Radney Bowker this time around. He's more mature, has put on some size and has obviously benefited from a full time environment with the Broncos."

After leaving Leigh, Bowker joined St Helens briefly before moving on to Salford. Two loan spells at Barrow and Rochdale followed before he became a close season recruit for the Broncos.