Leigh confirm return of James Laithwaite

Leigh have confirmed the re-signing of James Laithwaite until the end of the season.

Laithwaite, 27, has been training with the Centurions in recent weeks having previously announced his retirement from the game due to injury.

Coach John Duffy said: “I’m delighted to have been able to add James to the squad.

“James has had a couple of freak injuries and retired from the game and concentrated on building up his qualifications. But you only realise how much playing the game means to you when suddenly it’s gone.

“James has been having trials with us and he’s been in good shape and absolutely flying in training. He’s been at Leigh before and he can’t wait to get back playing in front of the North Stand. He’s really excited.”

Laithwaite last played at Bradford in 2018, on loan from Toronto, and has made just over 100 appearances during his playing career to date.

He played for Leigh on dual-registration from Warrington back in 2012, making his senior debut in the first of 11 appearances.

He said: “When I was at the club previously, I loved my time there. I was on the fringe at Warrington and Leigh gave me my chance to make my senior debut.

“Lots of people who were playing then have come back. John Duffy was a big factor in me deciding to give it another go. He’s a very good bloke and one of the main reasons I’ve returned. Lads like Jonny Pownall, Ridy (Martyn Ridyard) and Gregg McNally have been away and come back.

“The club’s kind of gone back to how it was and I’m really looking forward to getting back into it.”