Stewart was released from the final two-years of his contract with Catalans for family reasons.

“I have loved my time in France,” Stewart said.

“The Dragons have been really good to me and my family but my son, in particular, needed a bit of help with the language barrier and as regards his schooling he needs to be in a country where English is the primary language.

“Catalans were kind enough to grant me a release and one thing quickly led to another.”

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont said Stewart would provide a massive boost for the club.  

“This is a massive signing for our Club and one for which I owe a lot to Travis Burns, who played a pivotal role in selling the Club to Glenn,” he said.

"In order to be a top Super League side we have to be able to attract the top players and this is evidence of not only our intent but our ability to do that.”

The 32-year-old played 185 games for Manly before joining South Sydney for the 2015 season.

Stewart won premierships with Manly in 2008 and 2011.