JOSH Simm has joined Leigh Centurions on a short-term loan.

The move is an initial two-week loan, which will then be reviewed on a week-by-week basis.

The exciting prospect is no stranger to Leigh having spent time with the club on dual-registration in 2019, when he made four appearances, scoring one try.

He made his Leigh debut in the memorable Summer Bash win over Widnes Vikings at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road that year.

Simm, 20, is a Saints Academy product who impressed in 2018 scoring 29 times in just 25 games for the side that just missed out on the Grand Final.

The grandson of legend Geoff Pimblett, Simm then scored 30 tries in 20 appearances for the Academy in 2019 leading them all the way to the Grand Final.

His form was rewarded as he made his first team debut at centre against London Broncos in July 2019.

Last season Simm played six times at centre and scored three tries - a first half hat-trick against Leeds Rhinos. He has made one appearance so far this campaign.

He is seen as a big part of Saints' future but will now gain game time and experience under John Duffy.

Saints Head Coach Kristian Woolf said: "We recognise that he hasn't had a lot of opportunity to play over the past few years so this move for him is perfect. He is now given the chance to gain some more regular Super League experience so he can continue to develop as a player."

Hooker Josh Eaves and forward Matty Foster recently enjoyed short loan spells at the Centurions before both returned to their club – the latter enforced due to injury.

As part of the RFL’s removal of Dual Registration, the minimum length of a loan is now reduced to 14 days (from 28 days) with the rationale to avoid a player transferring to a club for a particular match. This will of course be subject to Lateral Flow Testing prior to entering the new environment and repeat Lateral Flow Testing where necessary.

Saints say they will monitor Simm’s progress to ensure he receives regular game time at the Centurions.