Leigh Centurions are delighted to announce that Tommy Goulden has signed a one-year full-time contract with the Club that will commence in December 2014 with a further one-year option at the Club's discretion.

The 32-year-old back row forward has been in outstanding form for the Centurions this season and has now scored 46 tries in 125 appearances for the Club since his debut in 2010.

Goulden originally signed for his hometown club during Ian Millward's time as Coach having started his professional career with Rochdale Hornets in 2005 and later having two years at Oldham. He is closing in on the landmark of one hundred career tries, having scored 89 in 224 games.

Goulden turned professional after a sparkling amateur career that saw him earn County and International honours. He had the honour of captaining his country in the Victory Cup of 2004 and toured Australia later that season. He also helped Leigh Miners win the National Conference title in 2004-05.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley said: "If ever a bloke earned a full-time playing contract it is Tommy. He epitomizes everything that we are trying to achieve at the Centurions and is so well respected and valued by the fans, his peers and the staff.

"That is testament to the way he has earned a full-time contract. I am delighted that Tommy now has the opportunity to be a full-time rugby player. It is something he will really appreciate and he will ensure he makes the best of it."

Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont added: "I had pre-empted that this one would be one of the harder ones to get over the line and I was wrong on that score. Tommy showed the same commitment to going full-time as he does week-in week-out on the field. This is despite him having his own electrical business.
"Tommy epitomises what rugby is all about and I have always admired him from his days at Leigh Miners Rangers. Every great side has a balance of solid experience mixed with youth and Tommy certainly adds in that department.

"It's ironic signing Tommy and Matt on the same day as that is a clear example of what I am saying. I look forward to seeing Tommy make his 150th appearance for his home-town club next season. He is a great bloke and again I feel we may not yet have seen the best of what he has to offer, when he settles in to the benefits of being a full-time athlete."

Huge respect to Tommy 32 years old his own business and also getting paid to play at the moment, and he is prepared to go full time effectively ruling out money for his electrical work, i'm surprised but delighted, WELL DONE TOMMY

Well I have to say that TG is by far my favourite player. Just gets on with it in a very professional way. I know he doesn't have many more years in him but I'm glad he gets the chance to do what only a few will dream of by going on to become a full time professional RL player. Nice one Tommy. Oh and well done club. Nearly forgot you in my excitement.

Tommy is outstanding and will only get better and better in a FT environment.

He is fit as a fiddle and if anyone could match Steve Menzies by playing SL into their mid to late 30's then Tommy could for me.

If I were Coach (thankfully we have someone slightly better qualified for the role in post) then Tommy Goulden's name would be the very first on my team sheet every single week.

I was only thinking today that it would be excellent if Tommy Goulden could be persuaded into a full time contract for a year or so and he has done. Brilliant news for a real grafter.

Best signing yet for me, I think Tommy is a stand out player week in week out and somehow keeps on getting better.... Thrilled and delighted for him and well done to the club yet again.

Couldn't agree more. Our pack is full of strength and talent, but the engine that drives the rest on is Tommy Goulden. Great signing this. He work ethic will inspire the younger players to try and match him. Can't imagine how he can be any better, but if anyone will gain every bit of benefit that being full time brings, it's this guy.

Excellent news. Tommy Goulden always seems to give his all every match and going full time will make him even better.

Mr Reliable, every team needs the one, the one who's willing to keep going, set the standard, take the ball up when the goings tough, make that last ditch tackle, and always give 100%.

Surprised but very very pleased he's decided to stay on the bus, enjoy the ride Tommy long may it continue.