The end of the Wigan Partnership is confirmed : Fri Dec 20, 2013 5:23 pm
Leigh Centurions today formally announce the end of the Dual Registration partnership agreement with Wigan Warriors. The partnership was established early in 2013 to follow RFL policy which only allowed duel registrations to and from a ‘partner club’. These partnerships had to be formally established and approved before any player could be duel registered between two clubs.
However, proposed changes to the Super League format has resulted in the agreement being reconsidered by the Leigh Board of Directors who were appointed after the original partnership was agreed. The decision has not been taken lightly, however it is imperative Leigh Centurions stand on their own two feet as the new season approaches.
The Club would like to place on record their appreciation to Wigan Warriors and in particular their Chairman Ian Lenagan for their understanding and support which has been professional from the outset.
Leigh Chairman John Roddy commented;
“The relationship with Wigan has been mutually beneficial but with proposed changes to Super League and the return to promotion and relegation in whatever form it takes, Leigh Centurions must be independent and capable. The Board of Management have also taken on board a significant number of concerns raised by our supporters, sponsors, and local business community. That negativity, whilst perhaps sometimes unfounded, simply had to be addressed. We look forward to 2014/15 and beyond with massive ambition, but we now need the local community, fans and sponsors to back us and prove to the game they want a Club worthy of Super League status in the future.
Centurions Director Steve Openshaw added;
“I know as much as anyone how much the rivalry means to the Leigh fans all and I admit to being a bit sceptical when the partnership was first announced. However, I have to admit were a number of joint benefits to this partnership behind the scenes that many of the fans won’t have seen. Tom Spencer being one. We had a lot support from the Warriors and the working relationship with them was useful last season especially when we were short on numbers. We thank them for that, but changes in Super League mean we have to move on to the next step on our own. We've built a strong squad for 2014 and stand on our own two feet - we need our loyal fans to back the lads and show the game we have the support to succeed’.
