Leigh confirm new signing

Leigh Centurions have signed of NRL prop Jai Whitbread from the Gold Coast Titans with immediate effect.

The 23-year-old was born in Queensland but brought up in New South Wales and is the son of former Canterbury Bulldogs and Gold Coast Giants player Greg Whitbread.

This season, Whitbread has made eight appearances for the Titans, scoring one try.

He said: “I started playing when I was about seven and my dad played for a few clubs over here (in Australia) and I loved the game.

“I think I’ve been playing some good footy here and I’m looking forward to adapting my game and getting used to Super League – it’s a tough competition.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting over there and meeting the boys. I am going to work hard and do my best for the Club and my team mates. I like to use the ball and try to do the little things right.

“I know Alex Gerrard who did a preseason with us at the Titans and also Brendan Elliot. It will be good to link up with some familiar faces and that’ll make the transition easier. I’m really looking forward to the experience and I can’t wait to meet the guys and the fans.”

Leigh Centurions interim head coach Kurt Haggerty was pleased to have Whitbread on board. He said: “It’s a major coup for us. Jai’s a front rower who can play at loose forward. He is good with the ball and also very tough defensively. I’m sure he will fit in really well and I’m looking forward to having him on board.

“It’s a good sign for us that we are able to attract a player with such potential who already has plenty of experience in the NRL.”

As a teenager, his junior clubs were the Burleigh Bears and the South Tweed Bears. He represented New South Wales under-16s and played for Brisbane Broncos under 20s. Whitbread made his senior debut for the Titans against Sydney Roosters in 2018 and has since made 30 NRL appearances for the Titans.