Leigh Leopards star Josh Charnley has dropped a major hint regarding his future, and has revealed he doesn’t want to hang up the boots just yet.
The winger scored four tries in yesterday’s victory over Toulouse Olympique, with three of those coming in the opening 25 minutes.
Helping his side to a 40-16 win over in France, he was named Man of the Match for his second game running, after also picking up the award against Bradford a fortnight ago.
The four tries increase his gap to Ryan Hall in the all-time Super League try-scoring charts, and he now is five clear of the Leeds legend, who could well retire at the end of the season.
However, that is something that Charnley doesn’t want to do, and after an honest admission was made regarding his future, he hopes he can stay in Super League for at least another campaign.
Now 35, the ex-Wigan and Warrington man only celebrated his birthday on Friday, so the win and the try haul were the perfect way to celebrate.
Asked post-match by Sky Sports what he thought of the game, which was played in and around 40 degree heat, Charnley said: “Tricky conditions coming here today, the heat is a massive test for us.
“Good to get the win, we knew Toulouse wanted to come out strong in that second half, which they usually do in the last few weeks, they start racking up a few points.
“We knew we’d get a good start and hopefully put us in front.”
Charnley now has 20 tries this season, something he has achieved six times in his career with the last time being 2023. With 11 games of the regular season to go, the veteran could well topple his highest season tally, which was 34 back in 2013.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. ” I’m coming into my last year, there’s nothing on the table for next year, so I’m just trying to put my front foot forward and show that I can still do what I’m doing at my age.
“Like I said, me and Hally [Ryan Hall] have been going round and competing for this top try scorer, and if I keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully there might be a deal on the table somewhere.
“I’m really enjoying it. The team are gelling really well. It’s just good to keep getting them wins and keep climbing the ladder into the top six.”
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Josh Charnley wants new Leigh Leopards deal for 2027
On his contract situation, Charnley clarified:Â “I want one more year. I’m still feeling good, still feeling fit. I’m looking after myself away from the sport, so I’m doing all the right things right to give myself a little bit of longevity in the game.
“I really want to go round again next year, but we’ll see what happens.”
The winger is hopeful that he can remain at the Leigh Sports Village in 2027, after they were the club that brought his love for rugby league back.
He said:Â “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I like the way the club’s going at the minute and growing, and I want to be part of that for many years to come.
“If there’s a deal there, I’ll be delighted, but it’s out of my hands. I’ve just g0t to keep playing.”
Super League legend, and player number three on the all-time top scorers list, Danny McGuire was a co-pundit for this game, and the ex-Leeds man couldn’t fathom how a player of his calibre is still on the open market.
“I can’t understand why Leigh hasn’t already tied him down for next year,” he said.
“He’s crazy, he’s still in great form, he’s still looking after himself. He’s still as sharp as ever. For me, he’s still one of the best wingers in the competition.”
