Leigh Leopards: Josh Charnley signs deal at Super League club

Leigh Leopards have confirmed that England international, Josh Charnley has signed an extended contract with the club. Charnley, who joined Leigh for their 2022 Championship season, will remain at the club until the end of the 2025 season. 

The former Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves man has been a crucial part of Leigh’s resurgence under Adrian Lam. He was part of the side which was promoted from the Championship, and played a key role in their 2023 Challenge Cup win.

Charnley has scored 298 tries in 352 career games since making his debut in 2010. As well as lifting the Challenge Cup with Leigh, he also won two Super League Grand Finals with Wigan.

He is also primed to become Super League’s all-time top try scorer. Charnley currently sits third on the list behind Danny McGuire (247) and Ryan Hall (246). The Leigh winger is sitting on 236.

However, with McGuire already retired and Hall to retire at the end of next season, Charnley will have an extra season at least to make up the 10-try gap to top spot.

Charnley commits future to Leigh Leopards

Leigh have suffered from a number of high profile departures in recent weeks. John Asiata and Oliver Holmes will join Hull FC in 2025. Zak Hardaker will also reportedly make the same move. Retaining Charnley is a major boost for Leigh fans.

In a statement confirming Charnley’s contract extension, Charnley declared his love for the club. He stated that they helped him rediscover his love for Rugby League at a low ebb in his career,

“I’ve loved being at Leigh. They’ve really helped me fall in love with my Rugby again.

“It’s been no secret that retirement was something I seriously considered before I originally signed at Leigh. So to be signing an extension here just shows what a massive impact the club has had on me.

“We’ve had a tough start this season but I’m very sure there’s big things to come from this team and I’m really excited to be a part of that.”

Chester delighted to see Charnley stay at Leigh

Leigh Director of Rugby, Chris Chester, was full of praise for Charnley upon confirmation of this new contract. Chester spoke of the role that Charnley has played since joining Leigh in the Championship. He believes it is only a matter of time before he becomes Super League’s all time leading try scorer.

“Josh has been a key part in this club’s recent history. He’s taken us from the Championship to the Challenge Cup and been scoring plenty of tries along the way.

“Last year he broke the club record for tries in a Super League season and now he’s got the record of most Super League tries in his sights. We want to see him do that in a Leigh Leopards shirt.”

Recently, Leigh owner Derek Beaumont reaffirmed his commitment to spending the salary cap and stated that an offer had already been made to a potential replacement for John Asiata.