Josh Charnley excited to return to his former club

Warrington Wolves will host the newly named Leigh Leopards for their 12 year veteran Ben Currie’s testimonial match.

The game has been organised for Saturday 4th February 2023 at the Halliwell Jones and will serve as one of the first chances for fans of both clubs to see their new signings.

Currie will be playing his 12th season for the Wire and will hope that this season is far better than his 11th, after the side finished an uncharacteristic 11th in the league table.

Warrington have rebuilt their squad in an attempt to return to playoff contention and improve on last season’s poor showing by adding Paul Vaughan, Sam Kasiona, Josh McGuire and Gil Dudson. 

All of those names will potentially be on show as the Wolves host newly promoted Leigh, who romped to Championship victory and promotion with 26 wins from 27 before securing victory over Batley in the Million Pound game.

Former Wakefield and Hull KR boss Chris Chester is head of rugby for the Leopards and commented that his side “are delighted to have been invited to take part in Ben’s testimonial game”. 

The game will serve as a pre-season warm up for both sides but Chester commented on the privilege of being the side to play in Currie’s testimonial. 

“We are very honoured that Leigh Leopards are going to be involved” stated Chester having described Currie as “a great servant to Warrington ” and his extended tenure in primrose and blue as being “a great achievement”.

Chester has brought in plenty of Warrington stars including five ahead of this season in the shape of Jack Hughes, Rob Mulhern, Matt Davis, Jacob Gannon and Oliver Holmes all of whom could feature up against Warrington in that game as could former Warrington and Wigan Warriors winger Josh Charnley who is chasing down Danny McGuire and Ryan Hall to become Super League’s greatest ever try scorer.

It will be a big chance for Leigh to lay down a marker ahead of Super League and Charnley, on Leigh’s Twitter, has emphasised his excitement to return to Warrington.

He said:

“I want to get behind Ben Currie and his testimonial game next week. I’m looking forward to returning to the Halliwell Jones Stadium with my new team.

“It’s going to be a great day, it’s for a great reason, it’s all about Ben’s 11 years in rugby league.

“I’m looking forward to playing against my old. Get down, support Ben, we’ll see you all there.”

Let’s all get down to support the Leopards as they take on @WarringtonRLFC at the HJ for @BenoCurrie testimonial game.🐆🏉🐺#rugby #rugbyleague #rugbyfamily pic.twitter.com/RfYVOTaf2d

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) January 29, 2023