BEN Sims has joined up with John Duffy's new-look Leigh squad after three years with St Helens Academy.

Sims, who celebrated his 19th birthday recently, came through the ranks of Leigh Miners Rangers and also spent one year at Hindley before joining Saints Academy in 2015.

Duffy said: "Ben's a local lad who played his junior rugby at Leigh Miners. He was scouted and signed up by St Helens and they've done a fantastic job with him.

"Ben played back row at Saints but I think he'll end up as a middle. He's a big lad and has got great attributes. He's aggressive and gets involved in every collision.

"The Academy system produces some great players but there are only so many places that teams like Saints can fill. I'm glad that Ben's not lost to the game.

"We've given him an opportunity and so far in training he's taken it with both hands. He's a Leigh lad and wants to play for Leigh and this is a great opportunity for him. I'm looking forward to working with him."

Sims said: "I grew up watching Leigh at Hilton Park so to get the chance to play for the club seems surreal. I was going to go back playing amateur but I got a call from Ando (assistant coach Paul Anderson) inviting me to come down and it's all happened from there.

"I've enjoyed the training sessions so far and everyone has been really welcoming. There are some fantastic professionals who've been there and done that and they're only too pleased to help you and pass on advice.

"Already there's a great team spirit growing and you feel everyone has got your back.

"It was a great experience being at Saints. It was a very professional environment and at every training session you had to be straight on it and switched on. It was a massive step-up from the amateur game and a lot tougher.

"Coming to Leigh is another big step-up from the Academy. We've got some great coaches and this team looks like it's going to go places.

"John Duffy is a great coach and he earns respect from the players. Ando and Micky Higham, too, are so passionate and knowledgeable.

"With so many local lads being involved on the playing and coaching side there's a real togetherness and sense of pride in the shirt. And it will be great that my mates will be able to come along and cheer us on from the terraces."

Sims was actually born nine months after Higham made his Leigh first team debut and next season the pair could be lining up together in a Centurions team.

"That's mad isn't it?" Sims adds. "Micky's had an amazing career. I don't know if that fact makes me feel young or Micky feel old but for him to play so long and maintain his standards so long is fantastic and he's a great role model for any young player."