Leigh sign Bibey
Leigh Centurions have signed Wakefield forward Ricky Bibey on a contract for the next two seasons including a third year option.
After progressing through Academy ranks at Wigan, Bibey then played in the Warriors first team from 2001 to 2003 and was a Challenge Cup winner in 2002 when Wigan defeated St Helens. He first joined Leigh on loan during 2003 and played 10 games before being snapped up by Ian Millward and St Helens.
While at Knowsley Road, Bibey won another Challenge Cup title before moving to Oldham. At the end of the 2005 season, Ricky signed for Leigh and was soon joined by younger brother Adam. An excellent season saw Super League come calling again and the former England A International moved to Wakefield.
His first two seasons at Wakefield brought 42 appearances and this season Ricky has been a regular in coach John Kear’s squad.
Bibey said: “Initially it was Paul Rowley that got in touch and said he was looking at putting a team together and I thought that was interesting, then a few weeks later Ian Millward got involved and I spoke to him. I’ve worked with Ian before and enjoyed working with him. I decided it was the best move for me really. I’m going to start doing plastering and it will give me the opportunity to do that in the day and rugby at night.”
“Super League is good but it’s not going to be there forever. I’ve played rugby full-time since I was 18 so getting a trade behind me is important for me and my family.”
“This contract will allow me to play in Super League with Leigh, if the club can make it. It is good with the foresight that the club has. They are planning for the future and I’m looking forward to being part of those plans. Being a Leigh lad too, it’s a great catchment area and I’m looking forward to playing for Leigh again.”
“Ricky has been here before, he knows what the place is about.” Current head coach and future assistant Paul Rowley said.
“He’s been one of the first players on John Kear’s teamsheet and I think it has done him the world of good, having an opportunity and continuity playing at Super League level. Many of our props are in their very early twenties and Ricky is at the right age, he understands the game and will be a good role model and I’m sure they will all learn from him.”