Centurions beat the deadline ahead of play-offs

The Centurions have beaten today’s signing deadline as they head for the Qualifiers by paying a five-figure fee for Dawson, 25, who will join them with immediate effect on a contract that runs to the end of 2018.

Leigh coach Neil Jukes said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have got Matty over the line. We’ve been watching him develop over the years. He’s had lots of opportunities at St Helens and we’ve been highly impressed with him.

“Matty will have a big part to play this year and in the years ahead. He is everything you are looking for in an outside back and as a person who will fit easily into our set-up on and off the field.”

Dawson scored 16 tries in 50 games for Saints since following coach Nathan Brown from Huddersfield to Langtree Park three years ago.

St Helens chief executive Mike Rush said: “Matty is at a time in his career when he needs to be playing regularly.”

Dawson becomes Leigh’s third Super League signing in 24 hours following the capture of Castleford second-row Danny Tickle, who also joins them with immediate effect, and Catalans Dragons prop Antonio Maria, who will link up with them at the end of the season.

Former Wigan favourite Pat Richards is to retire at the end of the season, he has announced.

The 34-year-old Ireland international is in the first season of a two-year deal with Catalans Dragons after returning to Super League from NRL club Wests Tigers but has decided the time is right to end his career.

Richards enjoyed a stellar career with Wigan, where he capped an eight-season spell by being named Man of Steel in 2010, and last weekend kicked four goals to overtake Sean Long in sixth place in the list of all-time leading Super League marksmen with 828.

Richards has made 21 appearances for the French club, who remain in a challenging position in Super League despite losing their last five matches in all competitions.

Richards is likely to take his family back to Australia and take up a back-room role at Wests.

He has racked up more than 3,000 points over 16 seasons in the NRL and Super League after starting his career with Parramatta in 2000. He moved on to Wests Tigers in 2004, where he won the 2005 Premiership.