After initially being released by previous Leigh boss Tony Benson, Hughes
returned to the club as part of Darren Shaw's much changed first team squad.
Adam has the full range of skills available to a top class centre, including
size and pace. He can carry the ball strongly, create space for his wingman,
score tries himself and kick goals.
He originally signed for Leeds in 1994 from Milford ARL and debuted as a
teenager in July 1996 against London. Adam gave an early glimpse of his
attacking prowess with two tries against Bradford in an 18-56 defeat. A
fortnight later he was on the money again with another brace as the Rhinos
won 68-28 at home to Workington.
At the start of 1997, Hughes was given further opportunity to impress,
scoring three Challenge Cup tries against Whitehaven and Dewsbury. His
season at first team level petered out but Adam then agreed a deal with
Leeds Rugby Union sister club. That spell in Union didn't last long and Adam
moved to Wakefield.
He was a key figure for the Wildcats as they won promotion to Super League.
His powerful running brought him 20 tries and he kicked 15 goals. In 1999 he
was just as potent in Super League and amassed 15 tries and 34 goals from 27
games.
After one more season with Wakefield, Hughes moved to Halifax and scored 11
tries in just 18 games before signing for Widnes in 2002. Hughes enjoyed two
wonderful seasons for the Vikings and in Super League seven played one of
the games of his life to score 4 tries as Widnes defeated Leeds. His form
dipped slightly in 2004 when Widnes struggled and injury restricted Adam to
just 13 games for the relegated Vikings in 2005.
Hughes then became a free agent having played 99 games for Widnes,
contributing 52 tries and 64 goals during his time at the Halton Stadium.
Since making an international debut in 2003, Hughes has remained a fixture
in the centres for Wales where his try scoring ability has continued to
drive the Welsh forward.
Adam became the Centurions final capture of the 2006 close season when he
agreed a deal to join the club. He played in 23 games for Leigh last season,
scoring 12 tries before injury again contributed to a loss of form.
If Adam's performances during Leigh's pre-season friendly fixtures are anything to
go by, he looks set for a big season.
