Leigh Centurions return to Super League after a four year absence

Leigh centurions are back in Super League for the third time after being involved in the 2005 and 2017 seasons.

The centurions will play in the 2021 Betfred Super League season after being selected as the 12th member of Rugby League’s top division.

Club owner Derek Beaumont said this about the news “ I would like to thank Lord Jonathan Caine and the six members of the panel for their dedication to this process and the robust manner in which they have approached this. I always had complete faith that they would provide a fair and independent review with the best interests of the sport their sole objective”.

“The Leigh Sports Village is, in my opinion unrivalled in the game and we are extremely privileged to receive the support that we do from them and their vast resources that produce and incredible playing surface”.

They were one of six clubs who wanted to replace Toronto Wolfpack, who had to withdraw from the league in July due to financial reasons. Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, York City Knights and London Broncos were the other five clubs bidding for selection.

Leigh have not played in Super League since being relegated in 2017 after losing in the Million Pound Game against Catalan Dragons, but they had won all four of their Championship games before the season was cut short.

Many fans of fellow Super League clubs may think the Centurions are in the league to make up the numbers but John Duffy’s side will look start with an upset as they face Wigan Warriors in Round one at Headingley.

During their most recent season in Super League, Leigh pulled off home wins over local rivals St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. Showing they can come up against the big sides and come away with the victory.

Unfortunately they will be without their strong home support until they face Huddersfield Giants at Leigh Sports Village in round seven. Strong home form for Centurions will be crucial in order for Leigh to have a successful season.

Leigh have released their squad for the 2021 season and it is full of experience. None more than three time Super League winner Ben Flower, who is well known for his time at Wigan Warriors where he made 184 appearances since 2012.

Winning both Super League and the Challenge Cup, as well as the World Club Challenge against Cronulla Sharks in 2017, the signing of Ben Flower will add great experience to the side as well a forward who knows Super League very well.

Black Wallace and Joe Mellor are two of 11 new signings ahead of the 2021 season. Wallace and Mellor will most likely be the starting half back pairing for Leigh with the potential of Jamie Ellis coming into the half’s, three players who are going to be key throughout the season.

The rest of Leigh’s new signings include Adam Sidlow, Craig Mullen, Matty Gee, James Bell, Nathaniel Peteru, Ryan Brierley and Matty Russell.

Leigh are set for a difficult start to the season as they face Wigan, Warrington and St Helens in the opening five rounds. But their season won’t be decided in games against the top sides it will be games against teams in the middle part of the table which will define the Centurions first season in Super League since 2017.

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