LEIGH Centurions completed a happy Christmas by netting former St Helens and Great Britain star Sonny Nickle last night.

And now the Centurions have their sights firmly fixed on another ex-international, Harvey Howard.

Coach Paul Terzis finally got Nickle to put pen to paper last night following the club's takeover by a group of local businessmen.

""We would like the option to keep him here if we win promotion to Super League at the end of the season," he said.

Now Terzis is keen to add former Wigan, Leeds and Brisbane star Howard to his National League Division One squad in a dual playing and coaching role.

Terzis wants Howard to combine his playing duties with an assistant coaching role which would see him take charge of the club's Under 18s.

Leigh, who have re-signed John Hamilton for a year, were hoping to complete the Howard deal today.