Leigh Centurions 2013 squad numbers

Correspondent

Leigh have revealed an initial 23-man squad following the return of squad numbers to the Championships.

Gregg McNally has earned the number 1 shirt after an excellent season last term while Jonny Pownall and Ryan Brierley have been rewarded with 5 and 7 respectively.

Martyn Ridyard claims the number 6 jumper with Sam Hopkins also being named as number 8.

New signing Simon Finnigan is at 11 with the experienced Tommy Goulden, 12, while Martin Aspinwall will wear 13. At Halifax Bob Beswick and Sean Penkywicz battled for the number 9 jumper and Beswick claims it for 2013 with Penkywicz settling for 14.

The Centurions other new signings for next season have also been given numbers (Thomas Coyle (17), Ryan Duffy (21) and Adam Higson (22)) and youngster Chris Rowe returns from a development year with Wigan to claim the number 23.

Speaking of the list that sees Michael Ostick and long serving Jimmy Taylor numbered at 19 and 20 respectively, Head Coach Paul Rowley commented,

“There are no magic formulas but some clear giveaways and indications as to positional choices. There is also some priority handed to experience and loyalty in some circumstances.”

“That said, all in all it is a clean sheet for everyone.”

“It is always a tricky one with squad numbers because in some ways you are giving a bit away.”

“But, when you have the likes of Michael Ostick at 19 and Jimmy Taylor at 20, they could quite easily be 8 and 10. I have explained this to everyone and there are no dramas.”

The list in full is as follows:

1. Gregg McNally
2. Steve Maden
3. Stuart Littler
4. Matt Gardner
5. Jon Pownall
6. Martyn Ridyard
7. Ryan Brierley
8. Sam Hopkins
9. Bob Beswick
10. Rob Parker
11. Simon Finnigan
12. Tommy Goulden
13. Martin Aspinwall
14. Sean Penkywicz
15. Andy Thornley
16. Craig Briscoe
17. Thomas Coyle
18. Anthony Nicholson
19. Michael Ostick
20. James Taylor
21. Ryan Duffy
22. Adam Higson
23. Chris Rowe