LEIGH Centurions have added to their crop of new recruits by signing former Widnes wing Stefan Marsh.

The 28-year-old three-quarter has left the full-time ranks after seven seasons at Widnes Vikings and will combine his part-time playing contract at LSV with a new career as a personal trainer.

"I'm really looking forward to joining Leigh and really excited about the new season," he says. "After two bad years at Widnes, results-wise, I decided I needed a change.

"During my time at Widnes I qualified as a personal trainer and I've just started at a gym in Wigan. I'm building up my client base and absolutely love the job. It doesn't feel like going to work.

"I teach classes as well as one-on-one sessions and after Christmas we will be starting our 12-week Challenges which are always popular. The message is that whatever age you are or what you've done or haven't done in the past fitness-wise, it's never too late to start.

"The opportunity to sign for Leigh was just what I needed. The stadium is better than most in Super League and the facilities for training are excellent. I'd never really met John Duffy before but I've got mates who've played under him and they have nothing but good words to say about him.

"That's been borne out by the couple of training sessions we have done so far. The sessions have been really varied and enjoyable and the lads are already gelling as a unit.

"The Leigh fans are really loud and passionate about their rugby and they used to give me a lot of stick when I was playing on the wing for Widnes, so it will be great to play in front of them every week.

"From what I've seen they have every right to be excited about the season ahead."

Marsh came through the ranks of Wigan St Patrick's and Wigan Warriors academy before making his debut in Super League in 2010. He spent most of the 2012 season on loan at Widnes before making the move permanent. He's played over 150 first team games with a try nearly every couple of games.

Marsh credits his dad Glen, the academy system at Wigan and ex-Widnes coach Denis Betts as the biggest influences on his career so far.

"My dad played for Wigan St Pats but his career came to an abrupt halt when he broke his neck," he explains. "He's always encouraged me and been there for me.

"The culture at Wigan is all about winning. You win nearly every week so you are brought up with it. You've always got that behind you. That's why last season was so hard at Widnes. We were all motivated and committed but we couldn't break the cycle of losing.

"Denis gave me the opportunity to play regular games at Widnes and he was really good with me. He always had faith in me.

"It will seem strange playing against Widnes next year but I'm really looking forward to it. I've still got a lot of mates there and when I saw we were also playing against them in the Summer Bash I immediately inked it in on the calendar."

Centurions head coach John Duffy said: "Stefan is a very under-rated player. He's skilful, is quick, has got good communication skills and is Super League quality.

"He's decided to start a new career and I know it's one he's enjoying. So that makes joining Leigh a perfect fit. We need to get him enjoying his rugby again and from the early training sessions you can see that coming back.

"Stefan can play fullback, wing or centre easily in the Championship. He's got loads of experience and he'll be a vital player for us. He's a fantastic signing."