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KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 v BULLDOGS SUNDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2014 AT • KICK OFF 3:00 PM

Main Match Sponsor Cover Star: Alex Brown HONOURS Championship Winners: 1905-06 FROM THE TOP Division One Champions: 1981-82 Division Two Champions: By Chairman 1977-78, 1985-86, 1988-89 Winners: 1920-21, 1970-71 JOHN RODDY Cup Winners: 1952-53, 1955-56, 1970-71, 1981-82 WHO’S WHO BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: irst of all, welcome to all our Gillian Gorse - who is doing the most amazing work in our 1969-70, 1972-73 Ffantastic Leigh Centurions retail store; watch out shortly for the go-live date for our new At Leigh Centurions Promotion To Top Division supporters, old and new, and not online store. forgetting our international achieved(Not as Champions): Christine Brown and Johnny Simpkin in our fantastic support. Hon Life President Kit men 1963-64, 1975-76, 1991-92 Lottery and all our agents, for their sterling work and Mr Tommy Sale MBE Mr Frank Taylor Other Promotion season: How do you capture within just a few paragraphs, our recent increased membership. Hon Vice President Mr Sean Fairhurst 1997 (Division 3 to Division 2) activities, achievements and the small matter of the future of Mr Andy Burnham MP Mr Tommy Mather Simon Toon and all his team at Leigh Sports Village - we Northern Ford Minor Premiership ? It is virtually impossible, but never the less, I have certainly become 'one big team' during past six months. Hon Life Members Under 20’s Coach Winners: 2001 should try. Mr Paul Anderson Mr Brian Bowman Trans-Pennine Cup Winners: 2001 Only seven months ago, when the new Board was formed - Mr Tommy Coleman Under 20’s Assistant Arriva Trains Cup Winners: 2004 Mr Frank Taylor Mr Steve Mayo whilst it was difficult with so much to do - we went about our LHF Champions: business, preparing ourselves to be in the best shape we could Chairman Conditioner 2004 build, both on and off the field. We quietly and professionally Mr John Roddy Mr Dan Ogden LHF National League 1 Grand Final avoided media attention and comment and developed our Board of Management Physiotherapists Winners: 2004 plans to prepare for what we believed would be a tough yet Mr Michael Norris Ms Emma Fletcher exciting season ahead. Mr Derek Beaumont Ms Hannah Lloyd Northern Rail Cup Winners: Mr Andy Mazey Mr John Stopford (Under 20's) 2006, 2011, 2013 Whilst we kept a watchful eye on the future of licensing within Tony Smith Dr Marwan Koukash Mr Alan Platt Club Doctor the game, we were also very mindful of the potential of a Mr Steve Openshaw Dr Maurice Doublet-Stewart return to 'promotion and relegation', and therefore developed During the pre-season games, it was fantastic to have Tony Mr Neil Wilcock CLUB RECORDS robust plans to ensure whichever way the decision went, from Smith of , Shaun Wane of and Dr. Ms Jackie Mottershead Club Ambassador Marwan Koukash of speaking in our Mr Alex Murphy OBE the very first day we would be strong and capable to meet the Mr Trevor Barton MBE Biggest Victory: challenges. banqueting suite. It was very clear, particularly with Marwan, Ms Julia Bradley Commercial Manager 92-2 vs (1986) that they recognised our capabilities and passion and I am Squad recruitment has been first class, led by , Head of Rugby Mr Rob Parker Biggest Defeat: sure that one of them saw us competing potentially with them Derek Beaumont and Steve Openshaw, along with the Mr Derek Beaumont Lottery Manager 4-94 vs (1995) next year. (I will let you reach your own conclusion which one) Highest Home Attendance: development of our Under 20's by Paul Anderson. I am very First Team Coach Ms Christine Brown Those pre-season games greatly encouraged the Board to 31,326 vs St Helens (1953) confident that we have the best squad, and coaching and Mr Paul Rowley Lottery Co-ordinator work even harder to accomplish our mission this year. Mr Johnathan Simpkin Lowest Post War Home Attendance: management teams to take this club all the way during the Assistant Coaches 451 vs Hull (1975) season. Finally, it is really good to see that the Leigh Centurions Past Mr Neil Jukes Finance Manager Players Association has reformed and, together with the club, Most Tries in a game: Supporting the development of the squad, we have been Mr Ms Jane Smith Jack Wood 6 v York (1947), are building the momentum to work together. I know that working tirelessly to improve our finances, commercial Conditioner IT & Ticket Sales Neil Turley 6 v Workington Town (2001) many past players are here today with the great Kieron Purtill activities, communication and community development, and I Mr Nathan Pennington Mr Andrew Parkinson Most Goals in a game: doing a Q&A session in the Legends Bar. do not believe at this stage, with the team that we have in Training Assistant Club Accountants Mick Stacey 15 vs Doncaster (1976) 'We are in this together’ - let’s hope for a fantastic and Mr Thomas Wood Styles & Co Most Points in a game: place, that we could have done any more to strengthen our Neil Turley 42 vs Chorley (2004) position. (Take a bow - everyone, you deserve it) successful season. If you can bring your family, friends and Masseur Hon Programme Editor neighbours to enjoy the experience, all the better, for sure we Most Tries in a season: Special mentions and thank you must go out to: Mr Rob Stewart Mr Alan Edge need your support and your voices. Neil Turley 55 (2001) Clive Render , who is heading up our Legends Bar activities - Statistician Most Goals in a season: Best wishes Mr Cliff Sumner I hope you’re enjoying the experience. Neil Turley 187 (2004) John Most Points in a season: Fred Parkinson - Leigh Centurion TV - great work Fred! Neil Turley 468 (2004) CLUB CONTACTS Most Tries in a career: Mick Martyn 189 (1954-67) Telephone: Facebook: Most Goals in a career: 01942 487887 www.facebook.com/leighcenturionsfanpage Jimmy Ledgard 1043 (1948-58) Most Points in a career: Email: Twitter: John Woods 2492 (1976-85, 1990-92) General Enquiries – twitter.com/LeighCenturions Most Appearances: [email protected] or tweet us @LeighCenturions Albert Worrall – 503 (1920-38)

2 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 3 FROM THE COACH’S PAUL ROWLEY TALKS TO DAVE EDITOR CORNER PARKINSON

Firstly, reaction to the 28-36 defeat to lines of an under-20s fixture, but priorities By ALAN EDGE Wigan: change and we ended up seeing international There were plenty of positives but also some players against us. real fundamental errors where our systems are There were some obvious improvements again. concerned. We did an hour and a half on the The gradual improvement over the weeks is Lowton High School with no lines on the field This Week’s Visitors our Championship match day magazine in 2014. On video afterwards, where we reinforced our rules there for everyone to see, especially in that first and two foot of grass. production of the thirteen numbered stars, (or copies of the and principles and going forward from here half. I thought we were brilliant at times. We Kurt has an obvious quality. I think I’ve made it his afternoon, we magazines) to the ticket office at the end of the season, fans we’ll work from this point. played with a lot of shape and upped our quite public that I’ve been searching for that Tare delighted to will be entered into a draw for the following prizes:- We are used to having two or three new bodies numbers in the areas we wanted to against elusive ball playing second row, which is why I joining the club and this season we have seen a good opposition. We were more than happy brought Simon Finnigan to the club and I felt we extend a warm with the first half. In the second we probably • A place on the 2015 squad photo. (5 prizes) considerable change. It’s something new for us needed to revisit that area with Simon hanging ‘Leyther’ welcome, to made about 25 changes. and all and those rules and principles can take a up his boots. Kurt has that ability. Our players the players, officials • A priority listing for tickets to the extremely popular 2014 little time to become habits. Wigan executed Gregg McNally came off and we changed the and supporters of player awards evening (5 prizes) very well but I believe very few passages of play hookers twice. I was disappointed with how will always tell you, I give them freedom and encourage them to play. We don’t set up for close rivals Batley can’t be solved. disjointed we were in the second half. It’s tinged • A framed photo of the supporter with the player of his/her with a bit of disappointment, but it’s about plays; we just play what’s in front. Kurt can do Bulldogs, for the Wigan hit a real purple patch just after choice. (5 prizes) half time didn’t they? putting it together and keeping improving. It’s that and adds another string to our bow, adding opening Kingstone about being more accountable and our job as So, for those of you who are regular subscribers to ‘The They completed 14 sets in a row with us to a strong group of second rowers all pushing Press Championship game of the coaches is to keep on cranking it up and getting touching the ball a couple of times to kick it for position. Centurion’, here’s your chance to be rewarded for your loyalty. more out of them. season. back to them! For us the good part was when The trade off from that is that two of our (and good taste!) If you aren’t a regular subscriber, why not Again that start to the second half saw We should all be in for a treat this afternoon, as games we eventually did get the ball ourselves, we also players in Craig Briscoe and Joe Bullock give it a go for a season? You could win one of the prizes on had a high completion and did 12 on the the team go behind and it looked like go up to Barrow; that will aid their between the Centurions and Bulldogs are always tough, close they missed Gregg McNally when he had offer, at the same time as helping out your club, and enjoying bounce. development too won’t it? to go off? affairs. Last season we finished just one league point ahead of a cracking topical read. Then there was just five days to put it The way we play, everyone has got a really I think we are in a win-win situation. Kurt has the Bulldogs, who then extended our miserable play-off record right before the arrival of Salford? the experience under his belt that we are Salford was a funny one because all the focus of important role to play and if we lose somebody and terminated our season somewhat abruptly, beating us by out of that role, then we fall short somewhere. looking for in the immediate future. In terms of virtue of Ben Black’s ‘golden point’ drop goal. The fixture the media was on them. They have been given a Craig and Joe, they are both too good to play in Jimmy Fiddler no-limit credit card and manufactured a team; The friendlies have given the new lads a planners could not have chosen a better way to start the new it’s like X Factor! However, you can go on as chance to get game time under their the 20’s league. They both need that challenge season, by setting up a re-match between two evenly-matched Since our last edition of ‘The Centurion’, all at many trips or bonding sessions to exotic or belts but there have also been a couple of week to week first team football at a very sides. Leigh Centurions have been saddened to hear rough locations but you only ever get true team of players from the Under-20s that have high level. They both have areas that we have of the death, after a long illness, of another of bonding from the experiences you share on the stepped up in Lewis Foster and Chris told them that they need to work on and Both teams have undergone considerable changes, during the our Wembley heroes, prop forward Jimmy training ground and on the battlefield. That is Hankinson? become consistent in, before they feature ‘close’ season. Paul Rowley’s challenge will be to integrate his Fiddler. where respect is gained and people learn to Lewis was outstanding for the Under 20s regularly with us. We have a call-back on both ten new signings into the bulk of last season’s squad, while trust one another. against and I considered playing him players, but Kurt hasn’t got a call-back. is looking to bed in replacements for ten of the side Fiddler was an ‘old fashioned’ prop forward, who was The one word surrounding our squad at the against Wigan. He then had a real good debut It suits us down to a tee. We get a really good against Salford and I think we can look forward capable of toughing it out with the best, whilst moment is potential. It’s about realising that tough environment there with Anthony Murray. who featured in the Grand Final against Sheffield. potential. Games are not won on paper and I to more things from him. He’s definitely got a possessing a superb ball-playing skill. He was also an It’s a good grounding and they are like our need to squeeze more out yet, although I was touch of quality and is quite confident. He Stars Mean Prizes accomplished goal-kicker, who opened the scoring that extremely impressed with our middle unit; all doesn’t shy away in defence and looks a good partner club, I don’t mean that they are below us - I mean it’s a situation that suits us. They The more sharp- day back in 1971, with a well taken drop goal. our forwards were very effective against Salford. player. They were very solid. There were a lot of good Chris joined the club from Salford and was great have a smaller squad a bit like we had twelve eyed of you may Three years later, he was captain of the Leigh team that aspects, things we could be happy with but we playing out in the centres against months ago and two years ago. have already was deprived of the chance of another Wembley still lost the game. Crusaders. He had a sound debut against I’m looking forward to Craig and Joe being a spotted the gold appearance, in a close semi-final defeat at the hands What we try and do is create habits and good Warrington and what this shows is that I will massive part of that golden era that I envisage star at the of Featherstone. habits at that. You can iron out a few technical pick the team and players on form, whether they at this club. I’m excited by what they’ve both issues, which I thought we clearly did in the are young players, new players or seasoned got and there’s that word ‘potential’ again, bottom of this Fiddler went on to represent Balmain and North players. The lads that have come in haven’t transition between the Wigan and the Salford Craig in particular, a bit like Anthony Nicholson page. games. We were a lot more fluent as a squad. looked out of place and they’ve been more than Sydney, in , had a spell with French team last year, their promotion to the first team was a Now we just need to fine tune a few things and capable. This season, the Limoux, and Salford, Bramley, Leigh again, Oldham, and bit accelerated by lack of numbers. Once they put a bit more juice in one or two areas. Since our last chat for The Centurion, the GOLD STAR Board has decided Northern. In all, he made 380 appearances, have had a taste of it, they are eager for more. What were your thoughts from the club has announced the recruitment WEEK 1 to offer rewards to (204 at Leigh) scoring 55 tries, 495 goals, and 31 drop Warrington game? It was originally listed of Kurt Haggerty from Barrow – I make It’s only fair for them to go earning money and those subscribers of goals. as an Under-20s fixture wasn’t it and yet this the third time he’s been at the club building that experience and toughness. For example Joe Bullock has moved from being a ‘The Centurion’, The thoughts of all at Leigh Centurions, go out to there was a good sprinkling of first team including his Academy stint? who purchase all players there from Warrington and a Kurt left us to join St Helens and then came to winger to being a prop. I look forward to seeing Jimmy’s family, at this sad time. strong squad from Leigh. us on-loan as a young lad. The club was very that toughness and contact improving. It’s a thirteen editions of Yeah - when Tony Smith and myself first much in a transitional period at the time. It move to progress them, to help us in the future discussed the game we were thinking along the wasn’t a stable place. We were training up at and to help them.

4 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 5 www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 7 8 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 9 10 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 11 LOTTERY NEWS

The Superleigh Lottery's crusade to increase membership continues at an incredible pace, with over 100 new members signed up since New Year. We'd like to thank each and every one of our members new and old for their fantastic support, and we wish them all plenty of luck in the weekly draws. If you are thinking of becoming a member but have yet to do so, we'd love to hear from you, and as an added incentive, anybody who signs up in the months of February and March will be entered into a special draw to win VIP access to a Leigh Centurions training session, which will include breakfast with the players. If you would like to join, please contact the Superleigh Lottery on 01942 487892 or by e-mail on [email protected].

12 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 13 HEAD COACH - BATLEY JOHNKEAR BULLDOGS SQUAD - 2014

No NAME No NAME

1 Miles Greenwood 18 Luke Blake

2 Vinny Finigan 19 Joe Chandler

3 Alex Bretherton 20 Adam Gledhill

4 Aydan Faal 21

5 Johnny Campbell 22

6 Ben Black 23 Josh Johnson

7 Scott Leatherbarrow 24 Peter Aspinall

8 Byron Smith 25

9 Anthony Nicholson 26

10 Alex Rowe 27

11 John Davies

12

13 Mark Applegarth

14 Alistair Leak

15 Jay Leary

16 Brad Brennan

17 Lee Paterson Head Coach JOHN KEAR

AYDAN FAAL Bulldogs captain VINNY FINNIGAN JOHN DAVIES Byron S' mith

14 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 15 IN TOWN TODAY Who’s New at The BATLEY Mount Pleasant Stadium? Vinny Finigan – Irish international wing must have resigned Nicholson to look season he was a regular at Keighley, scoring Finigan (24) started his career at Bradford, elsewhere to seek the first team rugby he three tries in 25 games. where he demonstrated his scoring ability deserves. The former Leigh Miners-Ranger is Sam Scott – Second-row Scott started his BULLDOGS with four tries from five appearances, noted for his fitness, work rate and speed off career at Sheffield, where he made 32 including two on debut against Salford, in the mark, and will need to be carefully appearances in 2011/2012. Last season he By ALAN EDGE 2010. Lack of opportunities in 2011 led watched today. was a regular in the relegated York team, Finigan to move to Sheffield, where his pace amassing four tries from 22 appearances. ast season proved to be another attracted the attention of other clubs, some of whom were able and determination quickly endeared him to the Eagles’ fans and he bagged a further 18 Luke Blake – Blake (24) has been Lexcellent one for Batley to entice players away, with the offer of better contracts, or more brought back from a year in the amateur Bulldogs, who finished fifth in the success. and Greg Johnson have departed to tries in 29 appearances. Again, limited opportunities have led to a move to Batley, game, after clocking up more than fifty Kingstone Press Championship, just , and Salford Red Devils. We wish them well, with appearances with . In 2009, he one point behind the Centurions. where he should prove to be an excellent their careers there. Top scorer has joined replacement for Greg Johnson. played twice in Super League for Kear’s A fantastic play-off run saw them demolish Workington by 68-28, , along with big forwards Keegan Hirst, Wakefield side. Liam Walmsley and talisman hooker . Scott Leatherbarrow – the 23 year-old before epic ‘golden point’ victories at Leigh, (15-14) and scrum half has joined from Keighley, where Fellow hooker Paul Mennell and wing Gareth Potts have Featherstone, (21-20) earned them a Grand Final place against he scored 4 tries and 55 goals, in his 24 A first glance at the Batley squad, (on . For much of that game, it looked as though the signed for rivals Halifax, while long-serving centre Danny Maun , starts. Leatherbarrow’s career started on the page 15) reveals a large group of Bulldogs were going to achieve the ultimate victory, until a half back , and forward Ash Lindsay have right side of the Pennines at Wigan St. twenty seven players. However, on second half surge by the Eagles saw them triumph by 19-12. opted for Hunslet, Dewsbury, and Keighley respectively. Danny Patricks, where he gained honours at closer examination, seven of those Whitmore has dropped down to Championship One, with players are dual-registered from This season, Batley have dispensed with the services of FIFTEEN Under 15 and 16 level. Leatherbarrow was Hooker Anthony Nicholson needs no Oldham, and Craig Potter has done likewise with York. Ryan quickly snapped up by Wigan Warriors, who introduction to Leigh fans. Giants. Whilst John Kear members of last season’s squad, with only nine of the squad who Esders and Adam Scott are, at the time of writing, without sent him out to South Wales Scorpions on used his ‘duals’ very astutely last season, he will be at the mercy of won at Leigh still around. Inevitably, their performances had dual registration in 2012. Frustration at the Brad Brennan – At just 20, Brennan is a clubs for 2014. ‘parent’ club over lack of opportunities at Wigan, led to last superbly built prop, who is noted for his strength and mobility. The former Warrington his use of the following young Super season’s move to Keighley. Leatherbarrow’s League players: Batley The Chief ‘Dog Handler’ pace and creativity, allied to his kicking junior made 36 appearances for Barrow, prowess, should see him slot into the role scoring three tries – two of them against Anthony Mullally – Prop Mullally (22) Statistics – vacated by Gareth Moore. Leigh, with whom he was linked, in the has ten Super League appearances under The appointment of John In 2005, he joined Hull FC, ‘close’ season. his belt with the Giants, added to thirteen 2013 Kear, to the role of Head taking them to another last term with the Bulldogs, for whom he Leading Appearances: Coach at Batley, in 2011 famous outsiders’ victory over scored four tries, en route to a Grand Final 33 – Walton; 31 – Hirst, Rowe; was seen as a major coup Rhinos, in the appearance. The 6’ 5” giant represented for the Bulldogs. And Challenge Cup Final. The Ireland in the 2013 RL World Cup. 30 – Black, Smith, Bretherton, rightly so, when you look following year, Kear was Flanagan, Davies; Jacob Fairbank – Fairbank is another back at his coaching sacked by the Humberside young prop (23) who has Super League 28 – Greenwood, Johnson. career. club, and took over at experience at Huddersfield, , and Leading Tries: John’s first foray into Wildcats. Bradford, prior to making eight 19 – Greenwood; coaching, was as conditioner Although he won no trophies appearances for the Bulldogs, last season. 18 – Johnson; 13 – Flanagan; at , where he had at Wakefield, Kear will always Josh Johnson – Coach Kear clearly wants been scoreboard operator as a be fondly remembered by to have sufficient players available in the 10 – Walton, Moore. 9 – Potts, Wildcats’ followers for Campbell, Black. schoolboy, before playing for ‘grunt’ position this season, judging by yet his home-town club! His first repeatedly defying the club’s another dual registration prop from Scott Leatherbarrow in action for former Leading Goals: Head Coach job was at position as favourites to finish Brad Brennan in Barrow colours Huddersfield. Although only 19, Johnson bottom of Super League. club Keighley had two Super league appearances to his 98 – Hemingway; 57 – Moore. Bramley in 1992, and he then Adam Gledhill – The 21 year-old Indeed, in 2007 he guided Lee Paterson – At 32, Paterson is the one credit, last season. Highest Home Attendance: progressed into Super League, John Kear - with hair - prop/second row was under John Kear with them to eighth position, and exception to the low age-profile of John Peter Aspinall – Second row Aspinall is with Paris St. Germain in 1995. as a Castleford player. Wakefield Academy, before moving on to 2,067 v Huddersfield Giants; two years later, into the play- Kear’s signings. However, three-quarter also 19 and has debuted for the Giants, Kear returned to England in Gold Coast Titans Under 20’s. On his recent (Challenge Cup) offs, via fifth spot. Paterson has proved to be a prolific scorer in following graduation from the club’s 1997, as Head Coach of Sheffield Eagles, return to the UK, Gledhill was pursued by a 1,074 v . his seven years at Halifax, as we at Leigh academy ranks. He was capped by England taking them to a Premiership semi-final in In 2010, Wakefield prevented him from number of Super League clubs, but opted to (Championship) have found on more than one occasion. under 18’s. his first season. Even better was to come joining Catalans, and the following year he renew his relationship with coach Kear. Lowest Home Attendance: departed for Batley. Paterson will be expected to share the goal- Gledhill is reported to have ‘explosive’ go- Ben Blackmore – The 20 year-old winger the following year, with the astonishing kicking duties with Leatherbarrow. 484 v Thunder; Challenge Cup Final victory over red-hot Kear was appointed Head Coach of France, forward, as well as being a good kicker. made his Giants’ debut in 2011and scored two tries against Castleford the following favourites Wigan. In 1999, Sheffield for one game (a victory) in 1997, and in 2000 Anthony Nicholson – The 23 year-old has Joe Chandler – Utility forward Chandler (Challenge Cup) season. Last season he played as a ‘dual’ entered the ill-fated merger with he coached England to four victories in six been brought in from Leigh, to cover the (25) has been around the Championship 528 v departures of Mennell and Flanagan. ‘Ant’ for both Doncaster and Batley. (Championship) Huddersfield and, although Kear retained games. How many recent England coaches since his departure from the Leeds Academy, his job as Head Coach of the merged team, can boast a 67% success rate, I wonder?! spent four years at Leigh, making 45 first in 2010, when he made 28 appearances for Jake Connor – Centre Jake played two Average Home Attendance he soon moved on as Assistant Coach, at team appearances, and registering 8 tries. Oldham, (8 tries) and then played 25 games Super League games last year, scoring in his Kear is also a widely respected media During that four years, he waited patiently for debut against Bradford, then against (All matches) – 771. Wigan, under . pundit. for Halifax, (10 tries) before moving to a regular first team spot, but being the under- Dewsbury (5 appearances) late in 2012. Last Warrington. study to and Sean Penkywicz,

16 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 17 A VIEW FROM PRE-SEASON UNDER A FLAT CAP By ALAN EDGE ACTION PHOTOS Views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Leigh Centurions club, or its Directors! ction from the pre-season Ahome games against Wigan Good Deal, Bad Deal? escaping drowning! Warriors, Salford Red Devils, “When we all met in , after RLWC, to celebrate TEN Aussie club players have appeared in court on charges of and . great success, my belief was we were only beginning the violence, with one jailed, and another two narrowly escaping prison, Photos courtesy of RLPix.com next part of our RL journey. The last thing I believed was on ‘good behaviour’ bonds. Not that that we had peaked.” bad conduct is restricted to the players – NRL referee Gavin Morris is under That was the disbelieving message from Premier Sports’ CEO Richard investigation for punching touch judge Webb, to his production team, after SKY snaffled the RL broadcasting A scorching break by Bob Terry Pascoe at a New Year’s Eve party! Beswick in the Wigan game rights for Championship rugby. Now that conjures up a delightful The new SKY deal (see page 24 for more details) seems to be an image – can you just picture Phil excellent one for rugby league in this country, although it has Bentham brawling with touch judges in provoked a few interesting reactions. Gavin Morris demonstrates his a SL game, while the players attempt • The mystery over which night Premier Sports was due to be famous left hook. to separate them? A brilliant break and offload by Anthony Bate televising Championship games has been solved – they won’t be! Eagles grounded sets up 's try against Salford. Following the SKY announcement, Premier decided to take home their bat and ball and not grace our grounds again. In many ways, “All men are created equal – some work harder in pre- that’s a pity, as Premier had a highly successful World Cup. season.” – Emitt Smith, former NFL running back. However, their plea that they were losing money televising matches I imagine that most Championship players envy their SL counterparts cut no ice with Championship clubs, who were receiving no in close season. I do not refer to SL pre-season being a soft touch – remuneration, or compensation, from the deal. it’s more a question of where that training takes place. Whereas Championship players are taken to such exotic locations as Formby • The five year deal appears to offer a financial increase of 57% on beach, or Rivington, their SL peers are jetted off to Florida, or South the current deal with SKY. That’s a pretty impressive hike. Africa, to enjoy ‘warm weather’ training – which must stand them in • Only one club voted against the deal. That was Salford, where ideal stead for the February start to SL! Marwan Koukash voiced his concerns and acted accordingly. One exception to the ‘stay at home’ Championship clubs though, was • Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan has since made very public his 2013 Champions Sheffield Eagles, who decided on a jaunt to the concerns, that the clubs acted in haste, too soon into the current South of France, aiming to take in a game against Elite League leaders contract, (which still has three years to run) without going out to Limoux. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted by an air traffic competitive tender, especially with new guys BT possibly ready to controller’s strike. It’s the second year running that Eagles’ French enter the fray. All valid points, but rather strange to be raising them training plans have been scuppered – last season’s game at Limoux New loan signing Kurt Haggerty offloads in after he had voted IN FAVOUR of accepting the deal! His had to be called off because of a waterlogged pitch! the tackle against Warrington. explanation? “I voted Wigan in favour of accepting the deal Perhaps Formby and Rivington do have a lot going for them! because it was clear that financially-challenged clubs would support it.” Experience v Inexperience • Those “financially-challenged” clubs may just have been swayed by “Rookies talk rubbish,” says Indonesian author Toba Beta, in the promise of an immediate, up-front payment of £300k from SKY. his best-selling tome, ‘My Father Was An Astronaut’. Being a ‘Flat Capper’, I am of course no user of Twitter, and wouldn’t ‘Champion’ Aussies know a ‘hashtag’ from a ‘handle’. However, I can read about Twitter, “All our best heroes are losers,” according to Australian and came across this exchange, between two owners of Sooper radio presenter, Richard Glover. Dooper League clubs. Recent press reports involving top NRL players tend to support Mr. Salford’s Marwan Koukash, who is new to our Game, tweeted, Glover’s view. Aussies probably can’t wait for the new season to start, (twittered?) “One person I should really thank is my wife so that newspaper headlines will be about on-field activities, rather @MandyKoukash (strange Christian name that - @Mandy?) for than off-field misdemeanours. allowing me to spend her house keeping money on recruiting more During the recent World cup, we had the story of Billy Slater’s late quality players.” night scuffle in Manchester, the tale of prop Josh Papilii being held up A reply wasn’t long in coming, from a man who is vastly more familiar at gun-point, at a cash machine, (“I was in the wrong place at the with the ways of Rugby League, (and maybe marriage) Hull KR’s long Ryan Brierley scored in each of the home wrong time!”) and an un-named drunken Aussie player leaving his suffering Neil Hudgell – “You mean you’ve actually told her?! You are games. here's his try against Wigan. bath running, and flooding the hotel rooms below, whilst narrowly far braver than me!”

18 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 19 LEIGH CENTURIONS SQUAD 2014

20 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 21 MORE PRE-SEASON COMMERCIAL NEWS TODAY’S MAIN ACTION MATCH SPONSOR

ore action from the Mpre-season games at LSV. for further action shots, visit the website www.rlpix.com and follow the links to the For the opening match of the 2014 Kingstone Centurions games. Championship campaign, we are delighted to welcome, as our main match sponsor, long-standing local Centurions’ partner, AB Sundecks. Matt Sarsfield AB Sundecks was established in 2001 when Managing Director, attempts to round Derek Beaumont, was introduced to a brand new concept in Ryan Brierley on the way to a spectacular Salford's Andrew Dixon. decking. At that time wooden decking was gaining momentum as a team try against Warrington. Get the most out of your leisure time by investing in an AB cost effective way of enhancing gardens and holiday homes across Sundeck. With an AB Sundeck you are guaranteed a personal the country. Whilst this was going on Derek was busy trying to service every step of the way from design through to completion convince his business partner that PVC was the future in decking! and beyond. By developing a product that could be manipulated, designed and Our range of products includes: produced in a variety of ways to suit every type of client or project • Garden decking and install a maintenance free alternative to wood, AB Sundecks • Steps began to revolutionise the decking world and subsequently became • Disabled Ramp Access a limited company in 2007. • Balustrades AB Sundecks have come a very long way over the years. • Fencing Commitment to the product in the early days, reinvesting profit, • A complete range of accessories listening to its customers and working hand in hand night and day with leading manufacturers AB Sundecks are able to produce a Benefits of our products are: finished product more distinct than any other in its market and can • Wide range of maintenance free deck board options prove that AB Sundecks are producing the superior decking • Variety of handrails and balustrades in complementing effects solution. and colour match options • No splitting, cracking, warping or rotting All of our decks come with a 10 year guarantee and the only way • No painting, staining or oiling we can fully protect this is by building our decks on a maintenance- Adam Higson was also amongst the tries. • Resists weather damage, mildew and moss free galvanised steel frame. This is his effort against Wigan. • Environmentally considerate You will never find wood anywhere on an AB Sundeck. It is a well- • Personal design service available known fact that timber rots, so a steel sub-frame is the only way to ensure that your deck exceeds its 10 years and complies with fire For more information on AB Sundecks, please visit our safety regulations. This also ensures that any deck may be moved, website, on www.absundecks.co.uk or call us on re-sited or extended with minimal disruption or risk of damage. 01204 709029

Tom Spencer feels the crunch against Warrington.

22 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 23 LEIGH CENTURIONS THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT COMMUNITY By ALAN EDGE FOUNDATION braham Lincoln once said, “The promoted from Championship One at the end of 2014, Abest way to predict your future is creating a twelve team league for 2015. to create it,” and I believe that’s just • In 2015, after 23 rounds of fixtures in Super League and the By TREVOR BARTON what the RFL has done, with its new Championship, (including a ‘’ fixture) the two structure for the game in this leagues of twelve, will be divided into three leagues of eight, he Pathway progresses well. It is There will be an open evening for our new apprentice posts, which country. based on league placings. Tpleasing to report that the Wigan & start in August, for those interested and their parents on the 3rd Leigh College at the LSV are going to March at the LSV. Boys and girls, who have finished Year 11 and wish By adopting a revolutionary new format for the First Utility Super • The top eight teams will take part in the usual play-off system. the finals of North West rugby cup The middle eight will then play each other once, with the top to apply, need a good attitude with a passion for playing or coaching League and the Kingstone Press Championships, and pathways after thrashing rivals Runshaw RL, and a good work ethic. between the leagues, allied to a new television deal with SKY, the three gaining automatic promotion to Super League for 2016. College, last year’s league leaders. RFL has now paved the way for clubs in the UK to see a future. The fourth and fifth teams will then play-off for the right to go There will be a three day half term camp for children at the into Super League in 2016. The game ended 32-0 to us and this came on the back of a thrilling LSV starting on 17th February - £7 per day or £20 for all Hopefully, the new competitive format will create an upsurge in quarter final victory over Wigan Warriors Education Academy with a three. Contact LSV on 01942 487894. the interest of supporters and potential sponsors, in our Game, • Presumably, the bottom tier of eight clubs will then be joined late drop goal. which had, in my view, been steadily stagnating. Only the top half by the four unsuccessful middle tier clubs, to form the 2016 lower group of twelve. The team will now face Hopwood Hall in the final on Wednesday 26th dozen Super League teams appeared to have anything to play for, February, at the ’ ground. The squad is with the rest of Super League, and the Championships merely • It is envisaged that Championship One will consist of fourteen training hard for the final, and has benefitted this season from going through the motions. The future was there for all to see – a teams, in 2015. (the eight remaining after 2014, plus five training sessions held by our own John Duffy and Leigh Centurions’ fantastic sport seemingly dying a slow death. relegated from the Championship, plus one new team) captain . THE NEW STRUCTURE Gareth Hayes, Sport tutor and rugby coach at the College, said: THE NEW “We’re so proud of the team for getting to the final. The lads have Apparently the Super TV DEAL worked incredibly hard this season, and the team is going from league clubs only voted strength to strength. It is especially pleasing to beat two teams that in the new structure by In his track Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix sang the line, are in leagues above us. the slimmest of “Excuse me while I kiss the sky,” and RFL CEO Nigel Wood Our Rugby Development Programme enables all our students who margins, by 7 votes to 6, with Catalans abstaining. must have felt like doing just that, when he secured the study sport to take part in the team, regardless of level of study, and However, I get the feeling that most clubs did support the new Sky TV deal for 2017-21. that gives us a strong level of talent to choose from. new structure, but the ‘antis’ were looking for getting The deal has been criticised, most notably by Salford supremo We’re hoping to build on our current momentum in the coming years more control of the Sport’s governance. Marwan Koukash, and Wigan owner Ian Lenagan – on the and progress towards the higher leagues.” Not all details of the new structure have been made public, grounds that we still have three years of the current deal to go and Three of our apprentices played in the last game and it is the ability especially in relation to the Championship clubs but, judging from the contract wasn’t put out to competitive tender – but all the for our apprentices to play quality rugby that makes the pathway the reaction of some of those clubs, when the deal was explained other clubs have welcomed it with open arms. Judging by the special. to them last week, I think it’s fair to say they support the new terms that have been made public by the media, it’s not difficult to This September will see the current apprentices go onto a level three structure. Featherstone CEO Craig Poskitt commented, “All at understand why it’s been welcomed so enthusiastically. B Tech having qualified for RFL level 2 coaching badge and being first aid, safeguarding and defibrillator trained. Featherstone are excited by recent developments and incentivised • The deal is for £200m for 2017/21, compared with the current by the new structures being put in place.” Leigh director Derek five year deal of £127m – an increase of 57%. Beaumont was equally enthusiastic, stating that “I would like to • Super League clubs will receive an annual £1.825m, compared The victorious Wigan & Leigh College team. Photo courtesy of King Pix. congratulate Nigel Wood and his team for all their hard work to with about £1.2m currently. The new payment will, bring this format to life. They have given the game a heartbeat and coincidentally, cover the current salary cap maximum. an opportunity to all to become masters of their own destinies. It was talk of the new structure that re-engaged me personally with • The SL clubs will receive an immediate up-front payment of £300k – a godsend to those in financial difficulties. rugby league as there was the vision of a clear pathway to achieve over time in a controlled measured manner as any business would • The two relegated SL clubs in 2014, will receive ‘parachute’ expect to grow. I sincerely hope that the innovative structure re- payments of about £787k. engages many more business men, sponsors and spectators in • The top two Championship clubs in 2014 (presumably based their droves to put the great game of rugby league up at the top of on league placings) will receive £500k and £450k. the sporting tree.” • The teams finishing third and fourth in the Championship will So, here is what we do know about the new structure:- each get £200k, fifth and sixth £175k and the rest £150k. Championship clubs currently receive £90k. • At the end of 2014 season, two clubs will be relegated from Super League, creating a twelve team league for 2015. Those • The Championship One clubs will each receive £75k. two teams will be the ones ending the season in 13th and 2014 has been described as a season of transition, but 14th places in the league table. when you see what’s at stake, it should be a cracker! • Five teams will be relegated from the Championship, and one

24 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 25 CHAMPIONSHIP

LISA NEWS From LYNDA PIKE By GARETH WALKER TALK of Rugby Leaguer & League Express LISA is sorry for any inconvenience caused by the Places can be booked from the retail outlet on Leigh Market. late cancellation of the coach to Halifax. LISA Needs You! Circumstances of the pitch condition, following continuous torrential rain, were beyond our control and we could only LISA are looking for people who can get to home games early cancel the coach after a pitch inspection on Friday afternoon. and set up a table in the Legends bar, to give out leaflets and membership application forms to try and get more Barrow Travel members. Anyone interested contact me on The next trip is to Barrow, for a round two Championship [email protected] fixture on 23 February. Prices will be £10.00 for LISA Also you can join via the website members and £11.50 for non-members. The coach will leave www.leigh-isa.org.uk LSV at 10:00 a.m., St Mary's Way at 10.05 a.m. and Atherton Thanks, Lynda Every Game Matters be the difference between relegation, or still being in with a 10.15 a.m. chance to win this year’s Grand Final. A scary prospect for IT’S a common theme trawled out ahead of new coaches – but one that should excite supporters. campaigns, that this season is going to be the “biggest, best and most exciting ever”. But for the On top of that, we have the recent announcement of prize Kingstone Press Championships this year, that might money in the Championship this season. just be true. The top two clubs in this year’s Championship will receive Junior Centurions Principally because there is so £500k and £450k respectively, with the payout dropping with SHARON DILLON much at stake for clubs ahead of dramatically to £200k for the third and fourth-placed sides, the sport’s sweeping restructuring £175k for fifth and sixth and £150k for the rest. That’s a from 2015 onwards. When the pretty huge drop between the top two and the rest, which Junior Centurions 2014 game moves to two top divisions should ensure a thrilling race at the top as well as the bottom. The Junior Centurions are bigger and better for 2014! of twelve that split into eight We have a new welcome pack, for every member, midway through the campaign - Moving into Championship One, there is just as much which can be collected at any time from main with a further division of fourteen on the line. reception. Those that aren’t collected will be posted clubs below - it will embrace a That is because the winners of this year’s Grand Final – which out. bold new era. will take place after a top five play-off – will receive the final We now have 200 members, and aim to increase that To get there we need a season of transition – but rather than place in the second tier for the 2015 season. That means that number as the season progresses. be a year to forget, 2014 could be one that shapes the long- this year’s Grand Final will have more at stake than for many term future of clubs at this level. years – elevation means the prospect of taking on Super To make it into the second coveted league of twelve, you League clubs in 2015, as opposed to remaining in the bottom February have to finish in the top nine of the Championship this year, division. Birthdays after it was confirmed last week that five clubs will be In short, a phrase that the RFL was striving to achieve with their restructuring should be relevant a season early – “every Terri Whalley will be thirteen on 15 February. Junior Links relegated. As such, several clubs will be thinking top nine game will matter in 2014.” Thomas Rangeley was eleven on 3 February There are links to the Junior Centurions page on rather than top eight, which is what the Championship play- offs will remain this season. Leah Simpkin will be nine on 23 February. www.leighcenturions.co.uk and on And that has to be an exciting prospect for everyone involved Jack Costello was eight on 2 February www.leighlife.com for any news or information. It also means that one win – or even a bonus point – could in the Sport. Sam Cozens will be ten on 29 February. Follow @jnrcenturions on Twitter for (I bet Sam looks forward to leap years for a’ real’ the latest updates in the J.C's club. birthday!) Sam Monaghan will be eleven on 27 February. Car Stickers Millie Baldwin will be nine on 23 February Car stickers, priced at £2 Josh Monaghan will be eleven on 28 February are available from the club and Max Brown was seven on 12 February. retail outlet at Leigh market Hall.

26 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 27 LEIGH CENTURIONS

18 19 Mick Govin 20 22 Adam Higson SQUAD & SPONSORS - 2014 1 Gregg McNally C S Civils and AB Sundecks TOMMY SALE MBE Impact Insurance Marstrut Groundworks

23 Jonathan Pownall 24 Craig Briscoe 25 26 Ryan Duffy 3 Stuart Littler 4 Tom Armstrong 5 Alex Brown 2 STEVE MADEN Grada UK KREMPFAST/ Liniar DR. DOUBLET-STEWART JMS INTERIORS Marstrut Junior Centurions Corlett Electrical BRIAN HILL FAMILY

6 Martyn Ridyard 27 Anthony Bate 28 Joe Bullock 29 Jake Emmitt KURT HAGGERTY 7 Ryan Brierley 8 Tom Spencer 9 Bob Beswick Prof. BarrIE Dale & Integrated Control Taylor Drilling EVANS HALSHAW K. DARLINGTON & SON MRS AUDREY DALE Solutions LTD ONeills L.I.S.A. Ask Platt Office Supplies TODAY’S MASCOTS

Official Match TEAM MASCOTS Day Mascot For each home game, the club For information about any of Leigh will be inviting a junior team MR’s teams, in school years one to 10 Today’s mascot is 11 Matthew Sarsfield 12 Tommy Goulden 13 Sam Barlow Prof. BarrIE Dale & Rocky Beaumont, from local clubs, to act as team eleven, please visit their website at MRS AUDREY DALE Pam Ties CDA Business services The Shield Group who is four years mascots. Today it is the turn of www.leighminersrangers.net old and attends Leigh Miners Rangers Under 8’s. We hope that all members of First Steps Nursery, The team of school year threes train Leigh MR Under 8’s enjoy their in Pennington. at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in day today. Rocky’s favourite Bedford Sports Hall, and at 9.30 player is Sean a.m. on Saturday at Sutton Park. Penkywicz. (facing Bedford High) The club would welcome any newcomers along to We hope Rocky has sample the fun, structured sessions a fabulous day as that are carried out by qualified, official mascot. ‘safe-guard’ certified RFL coaches. 14 Sean Penkywicz 15 Liam Kay 16 17 Matt Gardner HFL AB Sundecks C & S Tyres UK Liniar

28 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 29 SSpecialistsSpecialispecialisttss in MecMechanical,hanical, ElectricalElectriicalcal and Public Health.Health.

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30 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 31 32 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 33 34 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 35 By LOVE RUGBY FACTS & STATS ALAN EDGE By TONY As the season ‘proper’ only gets underway today, we UNDER 20’s LEAGUE WILLIAMS thought we would take the opportunity to summarise the pre-season games. There were five games, including Leigh based company Marstrut were pleased to help out two under 20 fixtures, all of which resulted in defeats the Under 20's for next season by sponsoring their pre Editor: - Tony Williams is a leading journalist on the for the Centurions. As can be seen from the score lines, match ‘hoodies.’ all the games were competitive and should have been Leigh director Andy Mazey presented the tops to players Matty excellent ‘Love Rugby League’ website. ideal preparation for the coming season. Pendlebury and Josh Ward, before the Warrington game. Coach FIRST TEAM Paul Anderson and his talented squad are extremely grateful for he prevailing narrative of rugby all the time. But for balance, here’s St Helens chairman Eamonn the generous sponsorship, by Marstrut. Tleague is one of things gradually McManus in last Monday’s League Express: “I’ve been involved for getting worse and worse. fifteen years and I’ve never been more confident about the future of Leigh Centurions 28 Wigan Warriors 36 Leigh Centurions U20s 24 28 Inevitably, the ineptitude of the RFL will lead to less and less our game. I think we could have got to where we are quicker and Centurions: Greg McNally, Adam Higson, Stuart Littler, Tom at Leigh East more effectively, because it certainly doesn’t make sponsor sponsorship revenue, less and less media coverage, the lowering of Armstrong, Alex Brown, Liam Kay, Ryan Brierley, Oliver Wilkes, Centurions Under 20’s: Mike Scrivens, Cameron Pitman, Sam standards on the pitch, and finally to the death of rugby league. negotiations easier, that is for sure. But now we’re entering into a Bob Beswick, Ryan Duffy, Matt Sarsfield, Tommy Goulden, Sam time where a virtuous circle is being created: new sponsors come in, Peet, Sam Baggaley, Tyler Spence; Michael Dengate, Josh Ward; The narrative has become so prevalent that even what at first glance Barlow. Replacements - Martin Aspinwall, Tom Spencer, Andy better players get produced and crowds invariably increase. Everyone Craig Briscoe, Lewis Foster, Joe Bullock, Leon Tatlock, Chris appear to be wholly positive news stories can be turned into Thornley, Steve Maden, Matt Gardner, Martin Ridyard, Jake is entitled to their opinion, but I just look at the facts, and all the facts Hankinson, Anthony Bate. opportunities for bewailing the future of our game. Emmit, Jamie Acton. appear to be positive.” Replacements - Josh Adudwumma, Adam Simm, Brad Ashurst, For example, last month it was announced that the RFL had Is there any evidence for McManus’ vision of a “virtuous circle”? Tries: Brown; (2) Kay; Higson; Brierley. Goals: Ridyard (4) succeeded in extending coverage of Super League until Elliot Liku, Frankie Halton, Eze Harper. There is some. Super League finally has a title sponsor, First Utility, 2021, while also increasing the amount Sky would pay each year. Referee: Jamie Bloem; Attendance: 2,988 Tries: Pitman; Peet; Foster; Ashurst. Goals: Ward (4). and an associate sponsor, Specsavers (possibly as a direct result of the Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan, however, described this as a “dreadful World Cup). Kingstone Press have extended their sponsorship of the commercial decision”. Leigh Centurions 16 Salford Red Devils 26 Championships to encompass the National Conference League. Sky Leigh Centurions Under 20’s 12 This isn’t to say that everything about the deal is fantastic. Lenagan has agreed to cover Super League and Championship until 2021; the Centurions: Greg McNally, Adam Higson, Stuart Littler, Tom 24 could be right when he wonders whether the RFL could have BBC will cover internationals until the 2017 World Cup, and have Armstrong, Alex Brown, Marten Ridyard, Ryan Brierley, Oliver at Leigh East increased the amount paid by negotiating closer to the end of the increased Super League coverage on 5Live Sports Extra. The England Wilkes, Liam Kay, Tom Spencer, Matt Sarsfield, Tommy Goulden, present deal, or by involving other broadcasters such as BT Sports. He team looks much stronger than at the last World Cup, while World Sam Barlow. Replacements - Andy Thornley, Anthony Bate, Centurions Under 20’s: Mike Scrivens, Steve Maden, Chris could have added that the dealing exclusively with Sky caused Cup crowds surpassed all expectations. Matt Gardner, Jake Emmit, Jamie Acton, Lewis Foster. Hankinson, Sam Peet, Cameron Pitman, Matthew Pendlebury, Premier Sports to pull out of this season’s Championship. That said, top players like and are moving Tries: Kay; Ridyard; Brierley. Goals: Ridyard (2) Josh Ward, Ryan Duffy, Michael Dengate, Joe Bullock, Craig Yet balance is important. It’s frightening that we’ve got to the stage to the NRL or . Last season attendances in Super League Briscoe, Andy Thornley, Martin Aspinwall. when rugby league can boast a new and improved broadcasting deal, Referee: Warren Turley. Attendance: 1,887 were down on average by 958, and in the Championship by 165. Replacements - Anthony Bate, Sam Baggeley, Luke Warburton, but some people can’t see a single positive. Not everything then is brilliant. But McManus can see what others Frankie Halton, Brad Ashurst, Leon Tatlock, Eze Harper. You have to feel a little sorry for the RFL, even if none of us agree Leigh Centurions 20 Warrington Wolves 34 can’t or won’t see: that there are positives, and the potential for a Tries: Ward, Duffy. Goals: Ward (2). with what they do all the time. They get criticised for failing to have cycle of improvement based on those positives. Not everything in the Centurions: Greg McNally; Adam Higson, Stuart Littler, Tom new sponsorships when the old ones expire; they get criticised for garden is rosy, but there are some in rugby league who need to learn Armstrong, Alex Brown; Martyn Ridyard, Ryan Brierley; Tom failing to keep World Cup games on Sky Sports. Then they succeed in that this doesn’t mean everything in the garden is rotten. Spencer, Bob Beswick, Ryan Duffy, Matt Sarsfield, Andy Thornley, Below Left: Ryan Duffy sizes up Logan Tomkins in the Wigan winning a new deal to keep Super League on Sky for more money, Sam Barlow. Replacements - Lewis Foster, Chris Hankinson, game. and it’s taken as further evidence of their incompetence. [email protected] Twitter: @Tony_Williams88 Jamie Acton, Jake Emmitt, Liam Kay, Kurt Haggerty, Mat Gardner, Below: Director Andy Mazey presents Matty Pendlebury Being positive all the time is no better (or worse) than being negative Anthony Bate, Martin Aspinwall, Steve Maden, Mick Govin. and Josh Ward with the new hoodies. Tries: Higson (2); Brierley; Duffy. Goals: Ridyard (2) Referee: C Kendall. Attendance: 2,139.

Saints' Eamon McManus - positive about the future. Wigan's Ian Lenagan - not happy with the new SKY deal.

36 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 37 LEIGH CENTURIONS FIXTURES - 2014

Date Opposition Comp February NEXT UP AT LSV Sun 16th CHAMP Sun 23rd Barrow Raiders CHAMP March Sun 2nd WHITEHAVEN CHAMP Sun 9th CHAMP Sun 16th Challenge Cup 3 TCC3 SUNDAY 2nd MARCH 2014 Sun 23rd NORTH WALES CRUSADERS CHAMP Kingstone Press Championship - Round 3 Sun 30th ROCHDALE HORNETS CHAMP CENTURIONS April v Sun 6th Challenge Cup 4 TCC4 Sun 13th Halifax CHAMP WHITEHAVEN Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. Fri 18th CHAMP SEASON TICKETS APPLY Sun 27th Challenge Cup 5 TCC5 May Sun 4th Featherstone Rovers CHAMP SUNDAY 16th march 2014 Sun 11th Dewsbury Rams CHAMP TETLEYS Sun 18th DONCASTER CHAMP Sun 25th Sheffield Eagles CHAMP CHALLENGE CUP June ROUND 3 Sat 1st Workington Town CHAMP Details for this possible Sun 8th HALIFAX CHAMP home fixture will be Sun 15th BARROW RAIDERS CHAMP published in the press and on the club website Sun 22nd Whitehaven CHAMP Sun 29th DEWSBURY RAMS CHAMP All to pay July Sun 6th SHEFFIELD EAGLES CHAMP Sun 13th Doncaster CHAMP Sun 20th KEIGHLEY COUGARS CHAMP Sun 27th Rochdale Hornets CHAMP August Sun 3rd Batley Bulldogs CHAMP SUNDAY 23rd MArch 2014 Sun 10th FEATHERSTONE ROVERS CHAMP Kingstone Press Championship - Round 5 Sun 17th Swinton Lions CHAMP Sun 24th CENTURIONS Sun 31st WORKINGTON TOWN CHAMP v September NORTH WALES Sun 7th North Wales Crusaders CHAMP CRUSADERS Kick-Off 3:00 p.m. CHAMP = Kingstone Press Championship SEASON TICKETS APPLY TCC = Tetleys Challenge Cup

38 THE CENTURION www.leighcenturions.com www.leighlife.com THE CENTURION 39 LEIGH CENTURIONS

HEAD COACH - SQUAD - 2014 PAUL ROWLEY

No PLAYER SPONSOR

1 Gregg McNally Marstrut 2 Steve Maden JMS Interiors 3 Stuart Littler Marstrut 4 Tom Armstrong Junior Centurions 5 Alex Brown Corlett Electrical 6 Martyn Ridyard Integrated Control Solutions LTD 7 Ryan Brierley ONeills 8 Tom Spencer L.I.S.A. 9 Bob Beswick Ask Platt Office Supplies 10 Oliver Wilkes Prof. BarrIE Dale & MRS AUDREY DALE 11 Matthew Sarsfield Pam Ties 12 Tommy Goulden CDA Business services 13 Sam Barlow The Shield Group 14 Sean Penkywicz HFL 15 Liam Kay AB Sundecks 16 Martin Aspinwall C & S Tyres UK 17 Matt Gardner Liniar 18 Jamie Acton C S Civils and Groundworks 19 Mick Govin AB Sundecks 20 Andy Thornley TOMMY SALE MBE 21 22 Adam Higson Impact Insurance 23 Jonathan Pownall Grada UK 24 Craig Briscoe KREMPFAST/BRIAN HILL FAMILY 25 Michael Ostick Liniar 26 Ryan Duffy DR. DOUBLET-STEWART 27 Anthony Bate Taylor Drilling 28 Joe Bullock Prof. BarrIE Dale & MRS AUDREY DALE 29 Jake Emmitt EVANS HALSHAW KURT HAGGERTY K. DARLINGTON & SON

OFFICIALS Referee Mr. M. Thomason Touch Judges Mr. P. Marklove & Mr. T. Owen

Programme designed and printed by Graphic Press 0151 236 8022