Leigh secure permanent deal for Nanyn

Leigh have secured the permanent signing of Harlequins centre Mick Nanyn for next season.

Scotland international Nanyn recently joined the club on loan, but will now remain at Leigh Sports Village until the end of 2010.

Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “He’s got the remainder of this year and next year as well. I’m looking forward to continuing working with him.”

Nanyn scored two tries on his debut against Featherstone last month, and has broken numerous records during spells at Rochdale, Whitehaven, Widnes and Oldham.

Leigh have also secured the signing of Leigh Miners youngster Jonathan Pownall.

The teenager has enjoyed a stellar season with the Miners Under 18’s who finished top of the Gillette National Youth League before losing the Grand Final to Celtic Crusaders.

Pownall was a regular scorer for the team from fullback or centre and even stepped up to the open age side with great aplomb on a number of occasions, scoring a particularly memorable try in the Miners 28-12 Christmas derby win over Leigh East.
 
“He’s been coming to our attention for a number of months”, Leigh head coach Paul Rowley confirmed. “He’s been performing really well at amateur levels. The emphasis is on bringing the best young talent we can to their hometown professional club.

“After meeting with Jonathan and his dad Trevor, they sense great opportunity for progression at our club. We are delighted he’s shown such a great attitude and those are the type of people we want on board.”
 
“He’s a down to earth lad, a quietly confident person who is just going to go about his business, sneak up on the rails and make his way up into the first team eventually.”
 
The Centurions also have Stuart Donlan, Adam Higson, Chris Hill, Mike Morrison and James Taylor on contract for next season.