Leigh sign Hartley
Ian Millward has continued to build his Leigh squad for 2010 with the signing of Widnes back Tim Hartley.
Hartley, 23, played for local amateur side Leigh Miners Rangers before coming through the ranks at Salford and moving on to Harlequins, before spells at Halifax and the Vikings, where this season he has scored five tries and kicked 56 goals in 18 games.
Millward said: “Tim Hartley is a player who had high expectations on him when he played for Salford. He’s probably another one of these young kids that probably hasn’t been able to maintain a consistent level to back up the claims, but he’s had injuries and he’s a former Leigh boy, he lives in Leigh and I think it’s a great opportunity for him to form a partnership with Robbie (Paul) which will give him some stability.”
“I think his best years are in front of him because of the disruptions he has had during his career. If we can get him on the field on a consistent basis, I think he’ll bring a lot of things to our team.”
“We see him more as a stand-off and that’s the position he’ll be given an opportunity to play at Leigh.”
“I just think that with coming back to an area he lives in and coming to a team that is going to give him an opportunity, I’m pretty excited about the long term future for him.”
Tim who has signed a one year contract, commented: “I’ve been linked a couple of times with my hometown club and to finally come to Leigh and play will be fantastic. Ian Millward won everything there is to win at Saints in just a few years and I’m linking up with a guy who came through the lower leagues and went on to a Super League club.”
“I’ve only heard great things about him so it should be good. When I spoke to Ian and he confirmed that I will have a shot at playing six, I was more than happy to jump onboard.
“The names that the club have signed in Ricky Bibey and Robbie Paul, they are Super League players and Robbie has won everything as well. It will be great to link up with him, especially playing at halfback at the side of him. I think I can learn a great deal off him.”
“I’m looking forward to a great season and helping Leigh get back up.”