PAUL Anderson and Simon Baldwin are coming home to join Leigh Centurions' march back to the top.

The ex-Sheffield Eagles pair signed one-year deals at Hilton Park on Wednesday to end a marathon chase by coach Ian Millward.

"It's taken quite a few weeks to put the deals together but thanks to the generosity of LISA (Leigh Independent Supporters' Association), we've managed to pull off a terrific double signing," says Millward.

LISA have already pledged the cash that brings Aussie back rower Adam Bristow to Hilton Park. He also arrived on Wednesday.

"Without the support of the LISA organisation, we'd be looking at a pretty bare cupboard," Millward adds. "But thanks to their generosity we've been able to bring in these three quality players.

"Add to those the capture of Alan Cross from St Helens last week and we're looking like a pretty formidable outfit again."

For 24-years-old Baldwin, who toured Australia with the 1994 GB Academy squad, his career has come full circle. A product of the Leigh Academy set-up, the back rower was sold to Halifax in 1994-95, along with Paul Rowley, when hard-up Leigh went into administration.

Two years at Halifax was followed by another two seasons at Sheffield where he made over 50 Super League appearances.

Anderson, 22, another Leigh product, had his early professional career at St Helens but also spent the last year with the Eagles. He had two loan spells at Leigh towards the end of last season.

Anderson also has international experience having toured New Zealand with the 1996 GB Academy squad alongside current Leigh skipper Craig Dean.

Millward plans to use Baldwin as a wide-running second rower but has a positional switch in mind for Anderson.

"I want to use him as a strong-running centre. I think he could have a great career out in the threequarters. I've spoken to him about it and he's quite happy with the decision," adds Millward.

"We saw what Paul is capable of when he was with us for a few matches on loan last season and having met Simon and watched him on video, I think they'll make a great combination.

"Both are very ambitious, are at the right age and want desperately to make a success of it with their hometown club."

All Leigh's new signings will get their first run-outs in the pre-season trial game against Doncaster Dragons at Hilton Park on December 12.

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