Chase enjoying life at Leigh

Rangi Chase says he is happy to be playing rugby league again following his move to Leigh Centurions.

Chase has made the switch from Salford to Leigh in the off-season following a difficult two years at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

The ex-England international is one of many high profile signings made by the Centurions for 2016, with the likes of Harrison Hansen, Willie Tonga and Cory Paterson also joining the Kingston Press Championship side. 

The 29 year-old has now admitted to enjoying his rugby once more, and said that his happiness was the main reason in making the switch to the Leigh Sports Village. 

“People think, ‘what’s he doing down there?’ But to me it’s all about happiness,” Chase told Press Association Sport. 

“For the last four years I’ve been miserable and sometimes you’ve got to take a step away. I don’t play for anyone else. This is for me.”

Chase said that the style of rugby that Paul Rowley and the Leigh play to was one of the main factors in him signing on the dotted line for the Centurions.

“I love the way they play. I like the style they play and they look like they have fun,” he said.

“And that’s what I’ve lost over the last few years, waking up and enjoying going to work and playing with a smile on my face. That’s what it’s all about.”

The New Zealand born halfback revealed he contemplated leaving the game that he loved so much, as he reached the lowest point in his career so far. 

“I thought many times about quitting, walking away from the game,” he said.

“But I’ve got two kids and mouths to feed so I had to keep at it because it’s the only thing I’m good at. It’s about happiness for me, whether it’s coming down a grade or doing something different, I just want to be happy doing what I’m doing.”

With the move to Salford from Castleford not proving to be a successful one, Chase became frustrated and started to fall out of love with the sport. However, he says he has been given a new lease of life at Leigh and 2016 is a season he is looking forward to.

“It was a tough time but I had to push through it and now I’m coming out the other end and starting to enjoy training and games,” he said.

“I’m glad I came to Leigh. It’s not about where I play or the ground or the changing rooms, it’s all about being happy, I could play in the car park or the best stadium in the world, it doesn’t matter. I think I’m going to enjoy myself this year.”