Leigh Centurions are delighted to confirm that prop forward Mark Ioane has extended his contract with the Club until the end of 2021.

Signed from London Broncos where he played more than 100 times, Ioane enjoyed a strong start to the 2020 season as Leigh Centurions won their opening four Betfred Championship games. He earned the prestigious #HN1500 and adapted to life at his new club quickly.

The 29-year-old said: "I'm thrilled to be staying with Leigh. We made a great start to this year and showed lots of promise but matters were taken out of hands with the season suspension.

"This is a really good group and I'm glad to be a part of it again for next season. I am grateful for the support given to me by the Leigh Centurions fans and the faith shown in me by the coaching staff."

Mark said a major factor in his decision to stay at the Club was the way he and his wife have been welcomed in the town. He said: "When we moved to Leigh, everyone made it very easy for us to adapt because they were so welcoming and supportive.

I am happy to be part of a community which is so friendly – they've been awesome.

"The majority of the lads from last season are staying on and we all just want to get out on that field because we feel we can accomplish something special."

Auckland-born Ioane was a junior with New Zealand Warriors before stints with Gold Coast Titans, Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons. He moved to London for the 2016 season and enjoyed four seasons in the capital.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach John Duffy said Mark was a player he was delighted to retain. He said: "Mark hit his straps very early on after joining us and has become an important member of our group. He settled here really well and has taken to life in Leigh.

"Mark is just the sort of person you want to have around at a Club, he trains hard, listens and is always asking where he can improve. We are delighted to have him on board again."

Mark Ioane was sponsored in 2020 by HydraMed.