Rugby League Veteran Josh Charnley Signs Extended Contract with Leigh Leopards
In a significant move for the Leigh Leopards, the club has confirmed that England international and seasoned rugby league player Josh Charnley has signed an extended contract, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
Charnley, who joined the Leopards for their 2022 Championship campaign, has been a crucial figure in the team’s resurgence under the guidance of head coach Adrian Lam. The former Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves player played a pivotal role in the Leopards’ promotion from the Championship and their triumph in the 2023 Challenge Cup.
With an impressive career tally of 298 tries in 352 games since his debut in 2010, Charnley is poised to become the all-time top try scorer in the Super League. He currently sits third on the list, trailing behind Danny McGuire (247) and Ryan Hall (246), but with an extra season secured at Leigh, the winger will have ample opportunity to make up the 10-try gap and clinch the coveted record.
“I’ve loved being at Leigh. They’ve really helped me fall in love with my Rugby again. It’s been no secret that retirement was something I seriously considered before I originally signed at Leigh. So to be signing an extension here just shows what a massive impact the club has had on me.”
Leigh’s Director of Rugby, Chris Chester, echoed the sentiment, praising Charnley’s contribution to the club’s recent success and his potential to become the Super League’s all-time leading try scorer.
“Josh has been a key part in this club’s recent history. He’s taken us from the Championship to the Challenge Cup and been scoring plenty of tries along the way. Last year he broke the club record for tries in a Super League season and now he’s got the record of most Super League tries in his sights. We want to see him do that in a Leigh Leopards shirt.”
The contract extension comes at a crucial time for the Leopards, as they have faced several high-profile departures in recent weeks, including the impending exits of John Asiata and Oliver Holmes to Hull FC. Retaining the services of a seasoned player like Charnley is undoubtedly a significant boost for the club and its loyal supporters as they look to build on their recent achievements.
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