Leigh Centurions can confirm that Matt Gardner and Michael Ostick have agreed to be released from their respective contracts with the Club and are now free agents.



Gardner, 29, is a vastly experienced three-quarter who has scored 26 tries in 58 appearances for the Centurions since his debut in 2012. Prop forward Ostick, 26, scored five tries in 54 appearances. Neither player has appeared in the Centurions first team this season after having their pre-seasons disrupted by injury.



Barrow born Gardner made a total of 35 Super League appearances for three clubs (Castleford, 2004), Huddersfield (2006-07) and Harlequins (2009) and has also played for Barrow (loan), Salford, Widnes and his native Cumbria, scoring 82 tries in 189 career appearances after starting out in the Leeds Rhinos Academy ranks.



Whiston born Ostick came through the ranks at Widnes St Maries and also made his Centurions debut in 2012 having previously played for Widnes, Barrow (loan), Rochdale Hornets and Halifax and has scored 12 tries in 125 career appearances.



Both players featured in the Centurions side that defeated Sheffield Eagles 43-28 in the 2013 Northern Rail Cup Final at Halifax.



Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: "Matt has been a fine servant to the club and always played a good strong game, giving a good account of himself. It is unfortunate that he suffered the injury he did which has seen him unable to feature for the club this year.



"I believe in doing right by the player and on this occasion that is to allow Matt to look at new ventures and progress to a return to professional sport if that is an avenue he decides to go down. Whatever Matt does I am sure he will be successful because that is his nature. He is a top bloke who will always be welcome around the club."



Mr Beaumont added: "Sport can be very cruel and the situation with Michael is a clear example of that. At the end of last season Michael was showing fine form and was leading the way very strongly shoulder to shoulder with Tom Spencer. Unfortunately his injury has prevented him continuing that fine form and getting into contention to regain a first team place.



"Michael is a really honest guy and it is only right that we deal with him respecting that honesty and allow him to look early at his short term future. Our reserves are again facing the academies and it isn't really the stage that will see Michael return to the form of which he is capable.



"I have no doubt he will prove himself again in the Championship such the challenging person he is and he is one we will certainly keep our eye on. I wish Michael well in everything he does and would like to thank him for his exemplary service to our club.



Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley added: "Both players have been here throughout my time as Head Coach and I am really grateful for their contributions over the past two-and-a-half years. Unfortunately injuries have contributed to both players having disjointed seasons so far, but both have remained positive and integral to the team dynamic.



"It was important to let them know early of our decision so that they can sort out their futures. They are two good players who are now heading in different directions. My gratitude goes to both for their contributions on and off the field. They have both been very supportive of me and my staff and I will maintain contact with both of them and know they will both remain good friends of mine."

Bit of a shame really, only on Sunday it was mentioned about Gardner playing for the reserves and providing an option at centre in a few weeks time.



Didn't expect much of Ostick when he first arrived but he dod a very capable job and should comfortably get a club elsewhere in our division.

All the Best for the future to two top blokes who put their bodies on the line time and time again for Leigh Centurions Thanks for some great memories..

This news shouldn't surprise anyone , ive said before we need to rise to the next level to compete next season , and these lads will just be a year older then , I think there will be a few more similar announcements in the Future .Thanks you lads for your service .

Thanks to the pair of them for putting our great shirt on, wish them well wherever they end up playing or doing.

Best wishes to both! - Really solid lads who gave us a lot at Leigh.

Both have served the club well giving nothing less than 100% & deserve to be playing regular first team rugby all the best to Matt & Michael in the future

In our Division ?Where are they going to go ?Swinton , Rochdale ,NW Crusaders ,Barrow , Worky and Haven , 5 of these wont be in our division next year ,cant see the others wanting them , but I suppose it depends on what they are asking for Contract wise .

Good luck to both players both great pro's and nice guys.

Don't see why Ostick wouldn't get a gig at Batley or Dewsbury etc, I'd have him over Nash any day.

Matt you know how injury prone some players are ,Nash is a consistant player for Dews , and Batley already have a decent pack , but you never know , even I don't .

Thanks to Matt and Michael, for their hard work and putting their bodies on the line. I think it's fair to say they would have both been in with a shout this season, but for awful luck with injuries.



Good luck to both of them, in the future.