Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm that Josh Charnley has extended his contract to the end of the 2026 season.
Charnley, 34, joined the then Centurions from Warrington Wolves during the Championship-winning season of 2022 and has been a pivotal part of the club’s successes ever since.
“I’m buzzing,” Josh Charnley said. “To spend another year at this club is just what I wanted. The club is going in the right direction and I want to be part of it.
“While I’ve been here we’ve had a name change, a brand change and you see the quality of personnel we are attracting now. We’ve gone from crowds of 2,500 to 10,000 and I’m lucky enough to be here another year.
“Leigh got me to enjoy my rugby again. I was at a low point when I left Warrington. I got my confidence back and started enjoying the game again.”
Charnley is the second highest try-scorer in Betfred Super League history, behind Leeds Rhinos’ Ryan Hall, and recently reached the milestone of 1,500 Super League points.
“I still have goals I want to achieve,” Charnley said. “We are playing in the playoffs again and hopefully can achieve something special.
“We have a great group of lads with no egos and a good work ethic. It’s a great place to be at. Playing at the Leopards Den is a great feeling and our fans are extra special.”
Club owner Derek Beaumont said: “Josh is a fans’ favourite and a housewives’ favourite. Everyone loves Josh. I’m a big fan of him as a player and a person.
“He’s a clean-living guy with a strong physique, who makes a lot of metres and can finish.
“He loves the town, the team, his coaches and teammates.
“I’m buzzing to keep him and would love to see him break that record because he done so much in the game.”
Chorley born Charnley began his distinguished career with Wigan Warriors and has won two Super League grand finals and four Challenge Cup finals, including the Leopards’ momentous 2023 victory over Hull KR.
He has played for England Knights and England and been chosen for the Super League Dream Team on three separate occasions. Next season he will be aiming to reach the 400-game career milestone having already scored over 300 tries.
Josh Charnley is sponsored by iXtract Dust & Fume Extraction.
