ROBBIE Paul has re-affirmed his commitment to Leigh Centurions, despite their relegation to the third tier of British rugby league.

The 33-year-old New Zealander will honour a two-year contract with the former Super League club, who will play in Co-operative Championship 1 next year after being relegated on points difference on the final day of the regular season.

Former St Helens boss Ian Millward, due to return from Australia for a second stint as head coach, will also honour his commitment - and the club are expected to press ahead with other signings as they set their target on an immediate return to the Championship.

The club still have ambitions to win back a Super League place in 2012, after failing to secure a three-year licence 12 months ago, and need to win the 2010 Northern Rail Cup in order to tick one of the boxes.

"It was obviously a massive push for them to stay up in the Championship, and from that point they had great aspirations for Super League," said Paul.

"I guess this doesn't make it easier. But it might not necessarily be the worst thing. You never know what the passage of time will do.

"The club have been making huge steps forward off the field - obviously they've got a world-class facility in the new stadium.

"That happens in rugby league. I guess you have to have a number of different scenarios. It's about moving forward. They seem to have some people at the place who are very passionate about the club."

Salford send off

The former Bradford and Huddersfield half-back has been earmarked for a role on and off the field in the new Centurions set-up and he will seek talks with the club once he has made his final appearance in Super League for Salford against Leeds on Friday night.

"I'll obviously be communicating with them over the next week and see what their thoughts are," he said.

"I basically have had very little involvement with the club so far, because my concentration has been about Salford and the end of my Super League career.

"Come what may, I'll just have to adapt to the situation at the Centurions.

"I'll get this last Super League match out of the way and then I'll focus all my attention on the Centurions and my career there.

"From my point of view, it's about moving forward. I've got to admit, I've got a Super League championship and I've got an NL1 championship - and you never know, adding another one might be something to aspire to."

In addition to Paul, Leigh have signed former Wigan and St Helens prop Ricky Bibey from Wakefield for a third spell at the club and have been linked with moves for Widnes half-back John Duffy and Salford prop Phil Leuluai.

Paul remains excited about the potential at the Leigh Sports Village and is looking forward to working under Millward, who cut his coaching teeth at Leigh 10 years ago before guiding St Helens to two Challenge Cup triumphs and two Super League Grand Final successes.

"As far as I know, it's a done-and-dusted deal with Ian - and there's a group of players who have signed," added Paul.

"It's a great bunch, a good mix of experience and youth, something for the club to move forward with.

"The results haven't gone their way. But things can only get bigger and brighter, and I hope I can play my part."

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