Drinkwater

Josh Drinkwater Extends Centurions Contract

Leigh Centurions are pleased to confirm that 24-year-old Australian halfback Josh Drinkwater has extended his contract with the Club until the end of the 2019 season.

After making a try-scoring debut in the victory at Swinton Lions in May, earning Heritage Number #1413, Drinkwater has played in 13 games scoring eight tries and kicking one goal. He has formed a fine halfback partnership with Martyn Ridyard and already has become a firm fans' favourite.

Sydney born and a former Manly junior, Drinkwater made his NRL bow with St George Illawarra in 2013 and then joined Wests Tigers after a season in Super League with London Broncos. He was top points scorer for Broncos in their relegation season of 2014, scoring five tries and kicking 58 goals in 25 appearances.

Prior to returning to England he had been in impressive form in the New South Wales Cup and won the Man of the Match award in NSW Residents' victory over Queensland Residents at Langlands Park, Brisbane. Drinkwater joined Leigh initially on a contract until the end of the current season after starting this year as a member of Wests Tigers' 30-man squad.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "I am delighted that Josh has extended his stay with us. I know from speaking to him along the way that there were a lot of reasons why he wanted to stay, but whilst we were always keen to get his signature it was imperative that we gave him the space to make the right decision for himself.

"By Josh re-signing now shows a lot of confidence in what we are doing. He has shown great commitment to the Club and he is pivotal to what we are wanting to build here. He has had genuine offers from Super League clubs but the fact he wants to carry on with us shows faith in the staff and the players and shows that he has bought into our vision."

Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: " This is a really important signing for the Club. We agreed with Josh in principle some time ago but he wanted to ensure his partner was happy here when she visited and thankfully she likes the place.

"Josh has settled really well and has been influential in our current success so it is positive that we can continue to build on that.‎ It is an exciting time for the Club and I know this news will be well received by our fans and is a further statement of our commitment to build a Super League side that can be competitive when it gets there and whether that be this year or next Josh is committed to our cause."