LEIGH Centurions winger Adam Higson has committed his future to the club until 2018 during an already hectic start to preparations for next season.

The club have also recruited Wigan-born former Warrington and Featherstone prop Paul Wood as a strength and conditioning coach.

And former Eccles RL prospect Eze Harper has agreed a 12-month full-time contract after impressing in the reserves during the past two seasons with 20 tries in 25 games.

But there have also been departures with Luke Warburton, Mitchell Cox and Tommy Holland joining North Wales Crusaders after the decision to disband the club’s second team.

And Rochdale Hornets have snapped up Corey Lee.

Higson’s initial deal was due to expire in 12-months' time but the 28-year-old ex-Leigh Miners Ranger now has a further two years on his contract.

"'AJ' is a popular member of the squad and I am pleased he has earned himself some security and can continue to progress in the manner he has done in recent seasons,” says coach Paul Rowley.

Higson, who needs three more tries to complete a half century for the club, made his Leigh debut in 2008 and spent a year with Swinton in 2012.

“When he came back to Leigh, we identified a new role for AJ as a winger,” explained Rowley.

“Though he was nervous initially AJ has now embraced the change and has shown consistent performances at a high level.”

On Wood’s appointment to join Nathan Pennington’s back-room team, head of rugby Derek Beaumont said: "Last year was our first as a full-time operation and we all learned a lot from it.

"It was agreed that we could do with an experienced pair of hands adding to Nathan’s team."

"Rolls (Paul Rowley) identified Paul as a candidate and when we discussed it as a group he had all the credentials.

“A large majority of successful conditioners are former players who have been there and done it and Paul has done it at the highest level, so brings a lot of experience and immediately has the respect of the group.

"He also owns a gym in the town which is a natural asset we can tap into.”

Wood had been expected to play for Swinton in 2016 before Leigh’s job offer came in.

Beaumont and Rowley, plus the club’s new players, will be guests of a question and answer evening at Leigh Sports Village on December 1.

Centurions’ forward Gareth Hock’s new book, "Hock, the Real Me" will be published on November 27.

“It’s all ready ruffled a few feathers,” he tweeted.