Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm the signing of Darnell McIntosh from Hull FC in a swap deal that sees Tom Briscoe return to Humberside for a second spell with the Black and Whites.
McIntosh, 26, was in his third year at Hull, having joined the club from Huddersfield Giants at the end of the 2021 season. A highly talented and versatile back, who can play fullback, winger, or centre, he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Leopards’ Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Darnell is an exciting player who will add speed, creativity and finishing power to our backline.
“He’s got a lot of experience of playing at the top level despite only being in his mid-twenties.
“Darnell was keen to come to the Leopards and feels that this will be the right environment for him to further his career and unlock his full potential. We are excited to have him. He covers key positions and ticks a lot of boxes.”
McIntosh graduated through the academy ranks at hometown Huddersfield and made his Giants debut in 2017, going on to score 13 tries in 24 games in his first year in Super League.
He went on to score 46 tries in 99 games over five seasons for the Giants before moving onto Hull.
In 154 career games McIntosh has scored 70 tries and kicked 28 goals.
Darnell McIntosh will be sponsored by Wigan GP Alliance in the 2024 season.
Tom Briscoe was ever-present in his first season with the Leopards and famously scored a try in the Challenge Cup Final 17-16 victory over Hull KR at Wembley, to earn the fourth Challenge Cup-winner’s medal of his career.
That try took his tally to eight in cup finals at Wembley, an all-time Rugby League record.
Briscoe began his distinguished career with Hull FC, scoring 90 tries in 147 games before moving on to enjoy nine productive seasons at Leeds prior to joining up with the Leopards.
He scored 20 tries in 34 games for the Leopards but has not played since suffering an injury in the game at St Helens in Round 3.
Briscoe passed the notable career milestone of 400 appearances during his time as a Leopard and has scored 215 tries in what is now 17 seasons as a topflight professional, including 12 in 18 games for England.
“Tom is a top class professional and played a major part in our success last year,” Mr Chester added. “He’s keen to extend his playing career and I’m sure that he will enjoy being back where it all started for him.
“Tom leaves the Leopards with many happy memories and for all he’s achieved in the game I know that last season was a special one for him. We wish him all the best in the future.”
