Benson steals crown Jules

The Leigh coach has persuaded the former Australian international that his prospects are better at Hilton Park rather than Spotland and the 33-year-old has signed a one-year contract with an option for another year.

O'Neill, now a publican in Widnes, left the Vikings at the end of last season when, along with Leigh, they were relegated from Super League.

Bobbie Goulding, the Rochdale coach, thought he had landed the vastly-experienced O'Neill but Benson stepped in with a counter-offer and the deal was concluded at the weekend.

Benson acknowledges that previous coaches haven't always found O'Neill easy to handle but feels that there's a new maturity about the player these days.

"In all the discussions I've had with him, he's come over as a forthright and determined character," said Benson. "He's done everything in the game but his enthusiasm for the job I want him to do with Leigh has been amazing. Blokes of his ability and experience don't grow on trees and I think we're very lucky to get him.

"We've got quite a young squad here and I wanted somebody with a maturity and a presence the guide them on the field. Jules fits that bill perfectly. He will be a central figure out on the field and I know he's relishing working with the young players."

If Benson was looking for a dominating and experienced character to control Leigh's midfield, then he's found one in O'Neill.

Not only has O'Neill represented his country but he has also played in 10 State of Origin games, the last being in 2000. In Australia he has played for leading clubs Brisbane Broncos, Perth, Souths and North Queensland while in this country he has been in Super League with Wigan, Widnes and Wakefield as well as a short stint with Pau RU club in France.

Benson sees O'Neill operating mainly as a stand-off but knows he could cover full-back and loose-forward with equal ability should the need arise. He begins training with his new team-mates on Thursday.