HE MAY not get the chance to play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium again this season, but departing Warrington Wolves hooker Micky Higham is hoping for a belated send-off when he returns to the ground with Leigh next month.
The 34 year-old joined the Centurions with immediate effect last week but a clause in the deal means he will be unable to feature when the sides meet in the Challenge Cup quarter final on Saturday, June 27.
But just because he isn’t playing doesn’t mean he is not going enjoy the event. “I was sat watching the draw and I just knew what was coming,” Higham admitted to League Express.
“There is a clause in the deal that I won’t play in that game and that is fair enough and I will honour that. But there will still be some mixed feelings as the game gets closer.
“Hopefully I will be able to go to the game and get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the players, the club and the fans. I feel like I owe them that as I have really enjoyed my time there.
“The lads at Leigh are already looking forward to the game and the chance to really test themselves against some top opposition.
“I won three Challenge Cups with Warrington and no one can take that away from me and if Leigh don’t win I will certainly be hoping Warrington go on to win the final.”
Higham’s career started at Leigh in 1999, staying there for two season before going on to star for St Helens, Wigan Warriors and latterly Warrington. He has always relished the chance to return to is home town club though and once the interest was there from the Centurions, Higham knew it was an opportunity he could not turn down. “I have never denied that I would like to end my career back at Leigh, where it all started for me,” added Higham.
“The opportunity has come up a bit sooner than I expected and with the way they are going, the town is buzzing about this team, and I just cant wait to be a part of it.
“I am so happy that I have had this opportunity and if I didn’t make move now, that opportunity wouldn’t be there next year and I would deeply regret it.
“I was always honest with Tony (Smith) and Warrington and I don’t think there was a deal there for me next year anyway and at my age with a young family to support I have to put my family and future first.
“I am sad to leave Warrington as I have been playing well there and having an influence on games so I do leave with a heavy heart.
“I have had a lot of success there but I am now going back to my home town club and it would be brilliant if I could play a little part in getting Leigh back to Super League.”
Pick up this week’s League Express to read the thoughts of Paul Rowley and Leigh’s head of rugby Derek Beaumont, plus the lowdown on Higham’s debut at this weekend’s Summer Bash.
