Despite media reports that he was headed back to Cronulla, Daniel Mortimer has instead decided to stay with the Leigh Centurions in 2018.

Leigh have confirmed that Mortimer has re-signed with the club for next season.

The Centurions were relegated from the Super League at the conclusion of the 2017 and many thought Mortimer would look to secure a deal with a Super League club or as the reports suggested, return to the NRL.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: “I am delighted that Daniel is returning to our Club. He made a big impact as soon as he came over, both on game day and in practice.

“He got in some really solid performances until injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

“As we continue on our journey we need outstanding and professional athletes like Daniel, whose resume speaks for itself.”

Daniel Mortimer said: “I can’t wait to get back on the field in a Leigh jersey I feel I have got unfinished business there. I came to do a job and was gutted when I got injured and was unable to play my part it was really hard watching what happened from the side.

“The fans made me feel really welcome and I owe it to them to work hard to get back to Super League next year and I am fully committed to playing my part in that.”