After impressing in pre-season, Leigh Leopards have rewarded one of their 2025 signings with an extension already.
Second-rower Andrew Badrock only joined the Leopards in the off-season but has shown head coach Adrian Lam and Head of Rugby Chris Chester more than enough to warrant a three-year extension.
This new deal means Badrock will be at Leigh until the end of the 2028 season, having joined from Swinton Lions.
The 24-year-old will be playing his first season as a full-time professional in 2025.
Chester told the club website of Badrock: “It’s a very unprecedented situation offering a player an extension just a few months after signing him but is really just evidence of how impressed we’ve been with Andy’s ability and attitude since he’s joined us.”
Badrock already has two tries in two appearances for the Leopards, scoring in the 20-12 friendly win against Warrington and the 60-0 Challenge Cup win over Workington.
Chester added: “He’s got a really big future and we’re really happy Andy has decided that future is here at Leigh.”
Badrock started off his rugby league career at Leigh Miners Rangers, where he also gained Lancashire and England honours.
He then moved to Swinton Lions for the 2023 season and has made 47 appearances for them in two seasons.
Following their relegation in October, the Leopards signed Badrock as they see him as a replacement for Kai O’Donnell.
The back-rower can also play in the centres, giving Lam a utility option if injuries occur.
Badrock said of his extension: “I am really happy with the opportunity to extend my future here with the Leopards.
“I have enjoyed the first couple of months with the team, as well as having the opportunity to work with Adrian and the rest of the coaching staff,” he added.
The extension will see him fight for a starting second-row spot with Frankie Halton and Jack Hughes but he’s not scared of some competition.
He said: “I can see the direction the club is going in and their ambitions for success. Hopefully, I can be a part of that and see what we can achieve in the next couple of years.”
Leigh Leopards begin their 2025 Super League campaign with a trip to Wigan Warriors, after a 38-0 loss to them in the 2024 play-off semi-finals.
