Robbie Paul will put his vast experience to use on and off the field in a bid to propel Leigh Centurions back to Super League.

The 33-year-old New Zealand half-back has been unveiled as the first signing by Ian Millward, the former St Helens coach who will return for a second stint at Leigh later this year.

Paul, who spent 11 trophy-filled seasons with Bradford before moving to Huddersfield in 2006, will leave Salford at the end of his two-year contract in October to combine a playing and ambassadorial role with the Co-operative Championship club.

"I've spoken to Ian Millward and I'm really looking forward to working with him," said Paul.

"The club have aspirations for Super League and I believe that I have the unique set of skills that can help towards that ultimate goal, on and off the field.

"They are looking towards the leadership department and obviously I've been there and I've done that and got the T-shirt.

"They want someone who can communicate with a number of different types of audiences as well as producing the goods on the field."

Leigh failed in their application for a Super League licence 12 months ago but hope the partnership of Millward and Paul will help them succeed with their next bid in 2011.

Coach Paul Rowley, who will become Millward's assistant, said: "Robbie is a great figurehead and ambassador.

"He's a professional man on and off the field and he'll be a great role model for our youngsters but he's going to come here and steer the ship primarily on the field through his playing abilities."