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TORONTO — In a surprise move, captain Craig Hall has left the Toronto Wolfpack for Leigh Centurions.

The transatlantic rugby league team said the 29-year-old English centre, named player of the year in the Kingstone Press League 1 in 2017, has been granted an early release from his Toronto contract.

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“Craig has asked for a release for family reasons and we will always listen to our players in that situation,” Wolfpack coach Paul Rowley said in a statement.

“This will be a challenging season for us in 2018 and we need a squad fully committed to the cause so, although disappointing to lose Craig in these circumstances, we will move on with our fantastic squad of players.”

Hall wasted little time finding a new home, signing a two-year deal with Leigh, which will host Toronto in its season opener Feb. 4 in the second-tier Championship.

“We’re delighted to have secured Craig’s services for the next two years. Craig comes with a wealth of experience and leadership qualities,” Centurions coach Neil Jukes said in a release.