Josh Charnley still targeting top spot in Super League try-scorers list after Leigh move
Experienced winger Josh Charnley says he still has desires of reaching top spot in Super League’s all-time try-scorers list despite moving to Championship outfit Leigh.
Charnley, who turned 31 last week, is third in that list as things stand. He has crossed 203 times in the top division of European rugby league. Top of the tree is Danny McGuire (247), now a coach at Hull KR, with Ryan Hall – still active in Super League with KR – also hunting him down. Hall has 223 tries to his name at present.
New Leigh man Charnley started 2022 like a train. He scored a brace in each of Warrington’s first four games of the campaign, totalling eight tries.
After being cast aside at the Wire though, the winger now must achieve Championship promotion with Leigh before he even has chance of adding to his tally, though he remains confident.
“I was coming close to it [the record] and got over the 200 mark. It was a big focus for me and then the games got cut off me in Super League,” Charnley told Leigh’s YouTube channel.
“When we’re there next year with Leigh, I’ll be striving for it. I’m here for the good time. I want to get Leigh into Super League, and I want to be a part of the team who can keep them up.
“I think they’re building really well here, and I’m just glad to be a part of it. The boys have made me feel really welcome, and it’s been good to get out on the field with them to see what they’re all about.
“I’ve seen some of them play over the years, and just seeing them on the paddock training, they’ve got a bit of skill about them. It’s exciting times for the club and for me as a player.”
New Club, Same Faces
Wigan-born Charnley started his career with his hometown club. Winning three Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups during his time at the D.W Stadium, the winger departed in 2016.
Fellow former Warriors player and coach Adrian Lam is now the man in charge down the road at the Leigh Sports Village.
He admitted Lam was one of the driving factors in the move, saying, “Lammy was at Wigan when I left, and I’ve heard good words about him.
“He made it feel really easy for me to make the decision. Having Tony Clubb here and Chezzy (Chris Chester) too, they’re just little touches to the finishing bit for me.
“It’s massive for me to have Lammy though, he’s a great coach and he’s got this team playing some good rugby.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in some big games. I’ve had some great leaders around me so if I can pull a bit of what I’ve learnt from them onto the team, then it’ll push them in the right direction.”
Charnley’s Leigh debut could come this Sunday. The Championship leaders travel to Bradford Bulls. Also winning the 1895 Cup, Lam’s side currently sit on a 12-game winning run across all competitions.
The Leythers also tied down superstar Edwin Ipape on a three-year deal earlier this month.
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