Leigh sign former Red Devil

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of experienced backrower Tyrone McCarthy for the 2021 Betfred Super League season.

McCarthy, who played for Leigh on loan from Warrington Wolves 18 times back in 2010, has a wealth of top flight experience and was most recently with Salford Red Devils. He’s also been a key component for the Ireland international team, playing 19 times and scoring four tries since his first appearance in 2009.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach John Duffy played alongside McCarthy in 2010 and he said he always thought McCarthy was destined for great things. Duffy said: “As a young player coming through, Tyrone always stood out as someone who was likely to play a lot of games at the top level and so it proved.

“He’s got great leadership qualities and I will be looking for our players to match his high standards on and off the pitch. Tyrone is a durable, hard-working player who will fit straight into our group. He’s a top lad, a great professional and an excellent addition to our squad.”

A product of the Warrington Wolves Academy, McCarthy made his senior debut for the Wolves in 2009, memorably a sub in the Challenge Cup Final that year in only his third game. He spent time on dual registration at Leigh before loan stints with Wakefield Trinity and Swinton Lions.

After a spell with the Queensland Cup Club Northern Pride, he joined Hull KR and captained his team to a Challenge Cup Final, where the Robins lost to Leeds Rhinos at Wembley. In 2016, McCarthy moved to NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons though he spent most of his stint playing for the Illawarra club.

McCarthy returned to Super League in 2017 and was an integral part of the Salford team which enjoyed great success under coach Ian Watson, helping the Club to reach a Super League Grand Final in 2019 and a Challenge Cup Final in 2020.