Mortimer linked with the then English Super League franchise mid-way through last season, but a tough back end to the winter meant Leigh was relegated to the second tier ahead of 2018.

Mortimer battled injury, suffering a serious blow to his bicep in the qualifiers against the Widness Vikings which ruled the utility out of the back end of the Centurions’ 2017 campaign.

Mortimer made a big impression at the club though, so much so the red and whites were able to retain the St Joseph’s Sheahan junior despite an offer to return to the NRL for next season.

“I can’t wait to get back on the field in a Leigh jersey,” Mortimer told the Centurions website.

“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.”