Centurions Confirm Permanent Deal For 'Superman' Whiting

Leigh Centurions are delighted to confirm that the Club has agreed with Hull
FC to extend Richard Whiting's loan deal until the end of the current
season. Richard has also agreed a contract with Leigh Centurions until the
end of the 2017 season.

A vastly experienced former England international and a huge crowd favourite
with the Hull FC fans, Whiting has made eight appearances for the Club
during his two month loan spell, making his debut against London Broncos in
February and earning Heritage Number 1405.

Whiting is a vastly experienced and highly respected player who cut short a
scholarship with Barnsley FC to begin his professional career with
Featherstone Rovers, earning the accolade of National League One Young
Player of the Year in 2003. He joined Hull in 2004 and soon became a huge
favourite of the fans for his ability, commitment and his consistent and
versatile performances.

He famously scored an opportunist try in Hull's thrilling 25-24 Challenge
Cup Final victory over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 and was in
the Black and Whites side defeated by St Helens in the 2006 Grand Final at
Old Trafford.

He also made three international appearances for England between 2004 and
2006 and in his 14-year professional career has made 290 senior appearances
and scored 85 tries, also kicking 36 goals and two drop-goals.

In 2014 he was granted a ten year testimonial with Hull FC and enjoyed a
benefit game against Featherstone Rovers. He has also been involved coaching
Hull FC's youth team and having regularly featured in supporters' Player of
the Year awards is widely respected in the city.

Last season he scored three tries in 17 appearances for Hull FC, to take his
tally for the club to 78 tries in 257 games.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "Richard is a great
professional and has proved himself to be a big asset during his time with
us. He is a very versatile player and has really enjoyed his time here. I
know that in one way he will be sad to leave Hull after giving many years of
valuable service to them but he is excited by the challenge at Leigh
Centurions and ready to write a new chapter into his illustrious playing
career.

"When he first joined us I said he hadn't joined us as a stop-gap but was a
player of genuine quality who came highly recommended as a top professional
who was low maintenance. He quickly adapted to being at our Club and through
working hard and buying in to what we want to achieve we now have an end
result that suits all parties."

Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: "I am really pleased we have
been able to secure Richard's services and thank Motu Tony and the Hull
club for assisting with this. Richard is the consummate professional and has
really bought into what we are trying to do at the Club.

"He is well respected and well liked and has already earned the respect and
praise of our fans with his performances on the field. He can now completely
focus on assisting us obtaining Super League status so that he is back where
he has always been as a player next year.

"I would also like to thank Karl Harrison for his professional assistance in
putting this together. I am sure this news will be as popular with our fans
as it is in the changing room and I have no doubt that the Hull FC faithful
will wish Richard well in his new journey and keep an eye on how he gets on
after his great service to their club."