England Lions Under 19s International Brad Holroyd signs for Centurions

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Leigh Centurions are delighted to confirm the signing of England Lions U19s international Brad Holroyd on professional forms from Leigh East.

Holroyd, 18, has been training with John Duffy's squad over the winter and signed on after the public training session at Leigh Miners Rangers this afternoon.

Duffy said: "Brad impressed in two years at Leigh East and in the autumn represented England Lions and Lancashire U19s in the Three Counties Championship.

"We went to watch him, invited him to train with us and he's done really well over the sessions and deserves his opportunity.

"Brad's got a lot of work to do but he's a great lad who's really eager to learn and has good skills and versatility. He can play fullback or wing and he will really benefit from playing and training in the set-up we have here."

Holroyd, who could become the first Leigh Centurions player to be born in the year 2000, is Warrington born and learnt his early rugby with Crosfields.

His rugby hero was the Wolves halfback Lee Briers. "He led the team around the park and was the main man when I was growing up watching Warrington," he says.

"But Crosfields U16s side folded and as I knew a few lads at Leigh East I went there," he explained. "Leigh East is a great club and I really enjoyed my time there. I owe a lot to my coaches, Si Reynolds and Dave Rudd for all the help they gave me.

"I'm really pleased to get the opportunity to sign for Leigh Centurions and step up into the professional game.

"I've found it really tough in the first few weeks but have really enjoyed the training and everyone has been really welcoming. I've already learned loads of things off the lads, especially the little things.

"I must have been accepted because I've already got a nickname, 'Young Gaz.'

"Duffs has a magnificent attitude and pushes everyone to the maximum which, as a player, is what you need."