LEIGH LEOPARDS have tied up record-breaking winger Josh Charnley for another season.
The 35-year-old’s new deal was announced in unique fashion during Leigh’s home match with St Helens on Friday after Charnley scored the opening try.
That was his 25th of the Super League season, extending his competition tally to 281 having overtaken Ryan Hall’s record in June.
Head coach Adrian Lam says Charnley, who has been with Leigh since 2022 having previously played for Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, “looks like he’s getting younger”.
However the player admitted: “At the beginning of the year, I spoke to my family and said this might be my last.
“But coming into the year, I got my body right, so I put it on Derek (Beaumont, owner) and Lammy’s toes and said I wanted to go round again.
“I’m happy to be staying at this club and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me. It’s a good club to be at. They’re going places, and I’m glad to still be a part of it.”
Charnley has already been a big part of their journey from the Championship to Challenge Cup winners and qualifying for the Super League play-offs in four seasons running.
And Lam said: “It’s not just on the field that Josh is going to be a big asset.
“We’re bringing a lot of young players through at the club, and having someone like Josh around to set standards, as well as someone the younger players can learn from, will be a massive help.”
Leigh’s director of rugby, Andrew Henderson, said: “Josh embodies everything we want Leigh to stand for: work ethic, humility and a relentless drive to compete.
“His professionalism, leadership and try-scoring ability set the standard, so we are delighted he has committed to our club.
“Josh has become a fan favourite for good reason. He delivers every week, lifts the people around him, and cares deeply about this club.
“Keeping him at Leigh is a huge boost for our squad and our supporters.”