Drinkwater stays with Leigh

Australian halfback Josh Drinkwater has extended his contract with Leigh until the end of the 2019 season.

Drinkwater arrived mid-season from NRL club Wests Tigers.

After making a try-scoring debut in the victory at Swinton Lions in May, Drinkwater has played in 13 games scoring eight tries and kicking one goal.

Sydney-born and a former Manly junior, Drinkwater made his NRL bow with St George Illawarra in 2013 and then joined Wests Tigers after a season in Super League with London Broncos.

He was top points scorer for Broncos in their relegation season of 2014, scoring five tries and kicking 58 goals in 25 appearances.

Prior to returning to England he had been in impressive form in the New South Wales Cup and won the Man of the Match award in NSW Residents’ victory over Queensland Residents.

Drinkwater joined Leigh initially on a contract until the end of the current season after starting this year as a member of Wests Tigers’ 30-man squad.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: “I am delighted that Josh has extended his stay with us.

“I know from speaking to him along the way that there were a lot of reasons why he wanted to stay, but whilst we were always keen to get his signature it was imperative that we gave him the space to make the right decision for himself.

“By Josh re-signing now shows a lot of confidence in what we are doing. He has shown great commitment to the Club and he is pivotal to what we are wanting to build here.

“He has had genuine offers from Super League clubs but the fact he wants to carry on with us shows faith in the staff and the players and shows that he has bought into our vision.”