Leigh Centurions hand big deal to former Warrington Wolves outside back

Leigh Centurions have been extremely active in the recruitment and retention market in 2022 so far.

And, now the Lancashire club has added some more pizzaz and enthusiasm to their squad with a three-year deal for former Warrington Wolves starlet Keanan Brand that will keep him at Leigh until the end of the 2024 season.

Brand has been in superb form in this 2022 campaign, scoring 12 tries in 20 appearances for Adrian Lam’s side.

When speaking about his new contract, Brand, 23, said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be staying at Leigh for another two years.

“I’ve loved my time here so far and this year especially as it’s brought back my enjoyment for the game.

“Every day, I enjoy coming to training and being with the lads. It’s a very tight group we have and I think we are building something special.

“I have learned a lot from Lammy, both on and off the field. I think the lads really respect him and I think the club needed both him and Chris Chester to build in the right way for the future.”

Born in Ormskirk, Brand originally came through the Widnes Vikings academy from the age of 14. His breakthrough year was in 2019, when he was named Widnes Players’ Player of the Year as well as being one of the nominations for the Championship’s Young Player of the Year.

Brand’s performances captured the attention of Warrington Wolves, who signed him on a three-year deal. After making his Warrington debut in 2020, Brand joined Leigh Centurions on a season-long loan the following year before making the move permanent at the start of the 2022 campaign.

Brand was called up to Ireland’s training camp in the mid-season international break as the preparations intensify for the World Cup in the autumn.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Keanan has had to wait for his opportunities at times this season, but has taken them all when they have come his way.

“He is definitely one of our bright, young, British talents and still got a lot of years ahead of him in the game, given his age.

“He’s fitted in tremendously well this season, alongside our more senior contingent in the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing him progress in the years to come at Leigh Centurions.”