Rowley says Leigh are in good shape for Super League
Leigh coach Paul Rowley says the club would be a solid and viable inclusion for Super League in 2015.
Rowley, who succeeded Ian Millward as coach last winter, is convinced that the setup Leigh have in place at the moment is one that will tick all the criteria set by the RFL for a place in Super League ahead of the licensing application process in 2014.
The former England hooker led the Centurions to a second consecutive runners-up finish in the league table this season, despite the turmoil of last winter when the club’s future looked uncertain.
Since then, off the pitch, the club have secured the financial support of Leigh Sports Village along with further backing from Lord Peter Smith and Wigan Council and The Right Honourable Andy Burnham MP.
Rowley said: “The club is in fantastic shape, the club is solid and viable for sustainment in Super League.
“The owners have made everyone a lot harder; the business started from scratch and it works. The business is in profit which not a lot of clubs can say, it’s also shown from our success on the pitch.
“All eyes were on Bradford if a place in Super League came up. We have a unique partnership with Leigh Sports Village. It’s rock solid. We’re not promising stuff like others, we don’t need to make false promises. The club are working on the present rather than the future and we are ready to go.
“Speaking to other clubs like Wigan Warriors and Salford City Reds, they and others want us in Super League, but obviously it depends on the decision of the RFL.”
The head coach explained how the Chairman and Chief Executive have been influential figures behind the bid along with other people behind the scenes.
He said: “Chairman Keith Freer, Chief Executive Trevor Barton MBE and the Board of Directors have been big people in this bid. The Board of Directors have the expertises in the areas they do well in to make the club a fresh and thriving business.
“All of the volunteers that help around the club are professional people; this isn’t Sunday afternoon stuff. “
Leigh are likely to face stiff opposition from Featherstone, Sheffield and Halifax, who were beaten to a licence in 2011 by Widnes, in their fight for a Super League place.