Rowley reveals Leigh players not paid

Leigh coach Paul Rowley revealed his players hadn’t received their match payments for at least a month, following the 20-0 win over Batley at the weekend.

The Centurions bounced back from consecutive 60-10 defeats against Wigan and Halifax to record a fine victory over the Bulldogs, which moves them level on points with their opponents in the Championship table.

It all came after a meeting with directors on Saturday revealed that the players wouldn’t be paid their match payments, dating back to the win over Barrow on March 21, some seven games ago.

Rowley said: “The boys got told they’ve not been paid, and they weren’t being paid for today (Sunday), and it’s in serious doubt going forward. Some of these players are owed a considerable amount.

“It would have been quite easy to stand up and feel angry and cheated. But the boys all stood up and asked how they can help, and what can they do to support the club.

“It’s not a pleasant experience, and it’s been a tough couple of weeks.

“They had a hundred reasons not to perform, but they had pride, respect, friendship – all things in life money can’t buy.

“I never believe they have enough people coming to watch them. It’s a game of sacrifices, and it’s never even nearly matched by the rewards they get.”

Leigh are no stranger to financial strife, and nearly went of business at the end of 2011.

Last month, chairman Keith Freer revealed the club was suffering from cash flow problems, and that crowds were down by 400, and asked for local businesses to pledge their support for the club.

A lot could depend on how far Rowley’s men can go in the Northern Rail Cup, with the draw for the last 16 due to take place on Wednesday.

Leigh’s next game is a trip to York in the Championship on Sunday.