Leigh sign hometown boy

Leigh Centurions have confirmed that 18 year-old second row Sam Hopkins has signed for his hometown club from Leigh East.

The U-18 GB Community Lions forward was set to put pen to paper on a contract a few weeks ago only for Leigh to cancel the deal but, thanks to a call from Sam himself, the youngsters dream move to the professional ranks has come true.

Hopkins has signed a two year contract and the Centurions wish to publicly thank Dave Rowlands and president Tommy Sale for their assistance in bringing Sam to the club.

His signing now means that the Centurions have secured three of the best young talents in the town over the last few months with Sam joining Jonathan Pownall and Anthony Nicholson on contract.

Speaking after watching Hopkins ink the deal, Head Coach Ian Millward said,”Sam gave me a ring and said, look I really want to play for Leigh and I want to be a Leigh Centurion. I think that takes a lot of integrity for a young man to do that and I was very impressed with his attitude.”

“We are delighted to get him on a two year contract”, Millward continued, “What this does show is a feel-good factor from probably the oldest Leigh legend to a Leigh business person who is always supporting local talent.”

“Sam has been going well with Leigh East, but the thing is, it gives us a chance to develop a Leigh youngster, and develop to hopefully turn him into an established first grade player for the club. He has the potential to do that.”

“Leigh Centurions are always keen to sign a young promising player and we are delighted to have him onboard after talks stalled.”