Leigh Centurions are pleased to confirm that Jonny Walker has joined the club with immediate effect following his release by Hull KR. The former Castleford Tigers forward joins the Centurions on a contract until 30 November 2015 with the club having the option of a further year.

Bradford born Walker, 23, made 48 Super League appearances for the Tigers between 2010-13, scoring four tries and also represented Scotland in 2012. He had to pull out of Scotland’s 2013 World Cup squad due to a knee injury. He played previously in the Academy ranks for Bradford Bulls. His twin brother Adam plays for Hull KR.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: “Jonny is a top player and will soon become a key part of the Centurions squad. He is moving to Leigh so he can become involved straight away. He is a talented young player who will greatly benefit from the culture around our Club and I am sure he will become an important member of the team. Jonny has the experience of full-time rugby at the top level and is a great addition especially at this important stage of the season.

“He is a quality, proven Super League player and a big signing for us, a strong one. It was one challenged by other Super League clubs but Jonny came over here with the deal by no means nailed-on and saw our facilities, met our coaching staff and signed. He will fit into our culture and thrive here. Sometimes when players fall off the track it is about the people around them rather than themselves.

“We wanted a big, aggressive prop forward with skill and there are not many about. We convinced him that the right place for him is at Leigh Sports Village. I can’t wait to see him on the field.”

Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “When we heard that Jonny had become available we quickly did some research and all we got back was positive. Jonny was someone I was aware of and to get someone of his ability and potential is a massive signing for our Club going forward. I am looking forward to working with him and am sure he will quickly settle in at Leigh and enjoy his time here.

“Jonny and his agent pinpointed Leigh Centurions as the club for him because of the culture we have developed here. It is really pleasing to get that message out there. To get him in the face of stiff competition from other Super League clubs and our competitors in the Championship is especially rewarding. He can’t wait to get started and is ambitious to be successful, as we all are.

“It’s a tough place here- there is a lot of competition for places. And competition just got a whole lot tougher. Jonny is a nice, aggressive front-rower, very similar to Sam Barlow. I knew about Jonny, I know his personality and I know he’ll be a success here.”

Welcome to Leigh Jonny Walker!

Welcome

Welcome to the Best set up in RL with the finest people on the planet Jonny you will love it here..

Seems like a good signing. How scarey is our pack? I am also pleased that he is moving to leigh.

More good news ,especially if he turns out anywhere near as good as Sam Barlow
Have we now got the best 5 or 6 props in the division?
Bate and Duffy still to come through as well
Well done Paul Rowley 2 great signing this week

Is this a full time deal?

Yes it is.

Thought it would be. Is he full time immediately or from next year?

Welcome to the club Jonny. These really are exciting times to be a leyther, loving it!

I wonder if this spells the end for ryan duffy as a leigh player?

Good signing that, I remember him in our academy and always thought he had potential.

As a Bulls fan looking around the different part of the RLFANS board we'll soon be calling home, you guys might be best placed to answer a question for me if you'd be so kind; how many of the probable championship 2015 clubs will be full time next year? (how many are full time this year even?, I have no clue) I'll admit I have no idea as I've been trapped in the Superleague bubble, and Im now trying to requint myself with real Rl ! Ta.

There are no Championship clubs with a full full time playing staff, some like us have players working in their community departments, as for full time next year, at the moment we will be, others have made the same sort of noise but the only contender was Featherstone who have now pulled the plug on that idea, Halifax and Doncaster may be depending on whether they achieve a top two spot this year as this decides the money on offer from the TV deal.
But beware the difference between the top 4 championship sides and the bottom 4 SL sides has deminished so dont expect an easy ride there are some quality players down here.

Imagine being in the opposition and seeing Jonny Walker at prop, Jamie Acton in 2nd row and Sam Barlow at loose forward, that would be terrifying!

Great signing, looking forward to seeing him play.

Cheers for the answers guys, and dont worry, most Bulls fans are under no illusions as to next year - we're not expecting any walkovers (2 or 3 seasons of turmoil and losing like we have quickly removes any thoughts of superiority trust me) I'd fully expect your current team to have beaten our team from most of this season, but Lowes does seem to be turning the attitude around and our prospects for next season depend entirely on our recruitment/retention - we currently only have 2 players confirmed for next season, so in an odd way the sooner we're confirmed down the better for planning and announcing players for next season. But I had no idea about the FT status of our probable rivals as we are going to be full time and it will hopefully be an advantage over some of the league to at least get in the top 4 as the first aim.

See you next season at the sports village and Odsal!