Leigh Leopards’ off-contract winger Josh Charnley has made a ‘come and get me’-style plea and spoken on his current situation.
Charnley doesn’t have a deal for the 2026 season and that’s seen him subject to plenty of talk, however, the 34-year-old has said that no offers are yet to materialise.
Appearing on The Bench Podcast ahead of last week’s epic clash between Leigh and Wigan, Charnley spoke about the frustration of not playing as much in 2025, which clubs were in for him on loan, where he wants to end his career, and what his future looks like.
Explaining that he got dropped ‘based on not scoring tries’, Charnley explained that he’s still given it everything in training and has also undertaken crossfit and cryotherapy treatment on his own time in a bid to ensure he’s in the best possible shape to regain his spot on the wing.
He explained: “I’m 34, one of the oldest in the team and I’m trying to set an example for the younger boys.”
Confirming that a possible loan move was denied, possibly due to the injury sustained by Darnell McIntosh which has recently seen Charnley return to team, he was asked if he had been ‘pissed off’ with the situation.
Charnley responded: “It did annoy me at first but I’ve just got to get on with it. I don’t want to be moping around and give them an excuse like ‘Josh Charnley’s attitude has changed because he’s not playing’. I’m still going in and being the character I am and training as hard as I can.”
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Speaking further on those possible loan moves, Charnley revealed two clubs who had shown an interest in him as he confirmed that his agent, former England international Kevin Brown, had been touting the winger’s services.
Charnley said: “I think because the club haven’t offered me anything for next year, Kev was asking around clubs as I hadn’t been playing for six weeks.
“A few clubs came in for me because they have key personnel out like Warrington and Catalans. There were opportunities for me to go but the club stopped it for some reason.”
Having surpassed the 250-try mark in Super League this past weekend, Charnley is now back within ten of the all-time record held by Ryan Hall and that goal is something he has identified as a target.
“I just want to stay in Super League,” he said in regards to his future.
“I’ve had in my goals for like five years now that I want to be the top try scorer of Super League and I’m pretty close to that. I’ve not played many games this year and I’ve not been in the shop window but I’d go anywhere. I’m not fussed about travelling, I need game time and I still got I’ve reckon two years in me.”
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Charnley also seemed to suggest that there is no contract on the table with Leigh Leopards, citing his age as a reason.
“I’m guessing (it’s because) I’m 34, he said, before being asked if there had been any suggestion he would remain with the Leopards.
“No. They have said that there might be something there but nothing really has come of it. I’ve just left it to Kev Brown to deal with.”
Having expressed his intent to remain in Super League, Charnley also confirmed what his dream move would be and where he would like to finish his career, explaining his dream would be: “Probably to finish at Wigan because I’m so close to their try-scoring record. I know Marshy just overtook me but there’s another goal there.
“Wigan gave me the opportunity to be in this game and it would be good to finish there if I could.”
Josh Charnley reveals where he would like to end his career… 💭 pic.twitter.com/3wng0zkM8L
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 14, 2025
