Leigh Leopards winger Josh Charnley has seemingly made a U-turn over his future ambitions after recent comments saw him express his desire to end his career at rivals Wigan Warriors.
The 34-year-old is off contract at the end of the current season and is among the most high-profile wingers to be in that situation, however, he confirmed recently on The Bench Podcast that he’s had no offers yet for 2026.
That podcast was recorded just ahead of Leigh’s win against Wigan just over a week ago, however, it was released yesterday (Monday).
In that podcast, Charnley revealed that he doesn’t have a contract offer at Leigh beyond this season, confirming: “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 (agent) to deal with.”
Asked ‘If you had your choice of any club to finish your career at, where would you end up, what would be your dream?’, the winger stated his preference to end at Wigan Warriors.
He responded:”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’s Leigh Leopards future ‘in limbo’
Just hours after that podcast was released, and ten days after it was recorded, Charnley has now stated that he wants to end his career with Leigh Leopards.
Appearing on BBC Radio Manchester, where the winger was a guest after his 250th and 251st Super League tries, Charnley spoke about his future and specifically his desire to stay with Leigh.
“I want to stay in Super League,” he confirmed, adding: “That’s the best in the country and I want to be number one (on the try scoring record).
“I’m really enjoying it at Leigh. The way that Derek (Beaumont) and Adrian (Lam) are putting on performances at the club, it’s just a good environment at the minute.
“I’d like to finish off at Leigh but we don’t know what is around the corner. I’m just trying to enjoy my time that I’ve got because I don’t know if I’ll still be in the squad.
“I’ve got to keep performing to try and keep that jersey and if something comes at Leigh then I’d grab it with two hands, but I’m in limbo mode where I don’t know what my future holds.”
A lot can change in ten days, Charnley playing twice in that period after not featuring for an extended time being one such example, so perhaps his comments suggest a change of heart.
He did again confirm his status for next year though, meaning nothing has been resolved contract-wise for 2026.
“At the minute, I haven’t got anything for next year so I want to be putting (myself) in the limelight and showing that I’m still there to do a job, still fit, still healthy, and still able to compete at the top level.”
Josh Charnley reveals where he would like to end his career… 💭 pic.twitter.com/3wng0zkM8L
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 14, 2025
