Former Newcastle Knights centre Peter Mata’utia has signed a three-year contract with English club Leigh Centurions.

The relegated Super League outfit have signed the 26-year-old Samoan international, who is the oldest of four brothers to play in the NRL for the Knights.

He had been linked with a move to St Helens after bringing his Newcastle career to a close at the end of the 2017 season.

Mata’utia, who was in the Samoa team that lost 30-10 to England in Sydney in May, was recruited by the Centurions head of rugby Keiron Cunningham, the former St Helens coach.

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont said: “This is a significant signing for the club and demonstrates one of the benefits of having Keiron at the club.

“Peter is a proven quality NRL player who has age on his side and will add a lot to the squad.

“Although he joins us in the Championship, he is aware of our club’s ambitions and his signing is indicative of his belief in that vision.”