WARRINGTON Wolves’ out-of-favour winger Josh Charnley has joined Leigh Centurions on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to sign a two-year deal commencing from 2023.
Charnley, who turns 31 on Sunday, fell out of favour with Wolves’ new coach Daryl Powell and was out of contract at the end of the season.
The former England international is a major coup for Championship promotion-chasers Leigh, having scored 255 tries in 301 career appearances.
Leigh coach Adrian Lam said: “It is really exciting news for the club, the squad and me as coach.
“He brings us lot of experience, as he is one of the leading try scorers of all-time in Super League and coming into our group now is good timing for us all. It keeps people on their toes.
“Josh understands what his role will be here going forward. He will not just be shoved in at the deep end. He will need a couple of weeks training with us to earn his spot through that process.
“Keeping in mind, he is signing for the rest of this season, which is a massive immediate boost for us and looking into the future.
“This signing is another indicator of how aggressive we are with moving forward, as we sign another quality player.”
Charnley said: “I’m really excited at this opportunity to play for Leigh, become part of the team and contribute towards helping them get up to Super League where they belong.
“I’ve been watching them the past few weeks and the team seems like they’re in a good place.
“I’ll be looking to help out in any way possible. If that means helping to mentor the younger boys in the squad then yes I can’t wait I just want to enjoy my rugby again”
“The last few years been difficult on and off the field. I want to get back to playing my best rugby again because I’m far from finished and I’ve got a lot to give so let’s go Leythers.”
Charnley has won two Super League titles and three Challenge Cups and nine England caps.
Charnley scores – Picture Eddie Whitham
Charnley celebrates – Picture Eddie Whitham
Let's get smiling again & enjoying it 🤟🏽 happy to be apart of this set up looking forward to meeting the team & staff. Leyther 🙌🏼 https://t.co/lPkC6UGL37
— Joshua Charnley (@Joshuacharnley) June 25, 2022
✍️ 𝙅𝙊𝙎𝙃 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙇𝙀𝙔 𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙎
We are delighted to announce that @England_RL international outside back Josh Charnley has signed for the club on loan until the end of the season, with a permanent two-year deal penned following the end of the 2022 campaign!#Leythers 🔴
— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) June 25, 2022
