Hetherington rules out Leeds move for Leigh starlet Brierley

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has ruled out his club making a move to sign highly rated halfback Ryan Brierley from Leigh Centurions.

Press speculation had linked the 22-year-old with a move to Yorkshire, but Hetherington insists that there is no truth to the reports.

“I can categorically state that we have no interest in signing Ryan Brierley from Leigh Centurions,” said the Leeds chief.

“The players’ agent has contacted us to make us aware that Ryan wishes to join us but we are not looking to sign a half back as we have four top class options in that position with Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Liam Sutcliffe for next season already, and an outstanding prospect in our academy in Jordan Lilley.

“It is inevitable that we get linked with players through the media and I can assure our fans that, in almost every case, the rumour has no foundation.

“I have spoken to Centurions head of rugby Derek Beaumont and reassured him that we are not in the market for his player or any other half back for that matter.”

Hetherington stated that the club’s focus will be on developing their own players rather than looking for recruits from outside the club.

“Our priority is to develop players through our ranks and then to reward and retain them,” he added.

“We have always operated on a policy of reviewing players annually and elevating their contract to recognise the improvements they have made rather than when their contracts are due to expire and that is very much our focus at the moment rather than bringing players in from other clubs.”