Hull FC's Richard Whiting signs permanent deal at Leigh

Long-serving Whiting, 31, earned the moniker “Superman” during his 13 years with the Airlie Birds for some of his remarkable displays in a whole host of positions.

With such versatility - he arrived from hometown Featherstone Rovers in 2004 as a stand-off but largely played centre and back-row - a real work ethic and no little skill, he proved a valuable member of Hull’s squad throughout.

Whiting won the Challenge Cup with them in 2005, famously scoring an opportunistic try versus Leeds Rhinos, and played in the Grand Final the following year against St Helens.

He scored three tries in 17 appearances for Hull last season, taking his tally to 78 tries in 257 games for the Black and Whites.

However, with a raft of NRL signings arriving at the KC Stadium over the winter, he was unable to force his way into the side this term and joined Leigh on a two-month loan.

The industrious former England international has played eight games since and will now see out the campaign at Leigh.

“Richard is a great professional and has proved himself to be a big asset during his time with us,” said coach Neil Jukes.

“He is a very versatile player and has really enjoyed his time here.

“I know that in one way he will be sad to leave Hull after giving many years of valuable service to them but he is excited by the challenge at Leigh Centurions and ready to write a new chapter into his illustrious playing career.

“When he first joined us I said he hadn’t joined us as a stop-gap but was a player of genuine quality who came highly recommended as a top professional who was low maintenance.

“He quickly adapted to being at our club and through working hard and buying in to what we want to achieve we now have an end result that suits all parties.”