Unfinished business for Leigh as Iain Thornley commits

Centre Iain Thornley has become the latest Leigh player to sign a new deal for 2021.

Thornley, 28, joined brother Andy at the Centurions in 2019 following a two-year spell at Catalans, and previously won Super League and Challenge Cup titles at Wigan.

He said: “We started the year off really well and we were all disappointed not to be able to finish the season.

“Hopefully by keeping a lot of that team together, we will have a head start for the new season and not as much adjusting to do because we all know each other. I’m very happy at  Leigh and really enjoy being part of the set-up here and our objective for next year is the same as we started this: to achieve promotion.”

Thornley scored 16 tries in 32 appearances in 2019, having previously had a spell with Leigh on dual-registration in 2013, before spells at Hull KR, Salford and Sale rugby union.

Coach John Duffy said: “Iain has been there and done it in his career with Grand Finals and Challenge Cups at Wigan but since coming to Leigh he’s had some changes in his life, adjusting to part-time and working towards his apprenticeship as an electrician.

“That will secure his future when his playing career is over, but it’s also served to give him a new lease of life rugby-wise. He’s really bought into being at Leigh and has been excellent for us and is such a big unit and a very talented player.”