Leigh Leopards sign a free agent from Warrington Wolves, addressing a team depth issue ahead of the 2024 season.
Leigh Leopards have confirmed the signing of talented centre Jack Darbyshire on a one-year deal following his release from Warrington Wolves, with the club making no secret of their desire to improve squad depth by 2024.
Darbyshire becomes the Leopards’ fifth signing this weekend, following the announcement of the fourth, another released academy ace in Lewis Baxter from St Helens, last night.
As injuries began to pile up at the end of the current season, much was made of Leigh’s noticeable lack of depth in the pack. Owner Derek Beaumont promised in an exclusive interview with Love Rugby League that this would not be the case come the start of 2024, and it is proving true.
Darbyshire, 19, is yet to make his professional debut but has spent a lot of time around the Warrington pack this season, particularly after Gary Chambers was promoted to interim head coach from his own post in the academy.
Warrington Wolves prodigy ‘over the moon’ with Leigh Leopards move
The center is eager to seize his opportunity by putting pen to paper at the Leigh Sports Village.
“I’m overjoyed to sign for Leigh, and I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” the adolescent added. I’m excited to get started.
“I had a great time at Warrington and learned a lot.” The Pandemic wrecked some of my time on scholarship and in the academy ranks, but that was out of my control.
“It hasn’t worked out for me at Warrington this year, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge.” I came with the Warrington squad to the Leopards Den for the Super League match, and it was by far the nicest away ground I’ve ever visited in terms of atmosphere, music, and fireworks. It felt like a performance. I can’t wait to take the field in a Leopards jersey.
“The team has been doing well, and I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the excellent coaching staff.” “I know a lot of the players (here) from Warrington, and I’ll get settled in quickly.”
The Leigh chief executive promises a new signing “plenty of opportunities to develop.”
Darbyshire is the son of the late Paul Darbyshire, who played and coached at Warrington until succumbing to MND at the age of 41 in 2011.
Back of a young man Jack hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by playing in Super League, and Leigh’s Head of Rugby Chris Chester has promised that he will get the chance.
“Jack is a good quality English born center who will bring young and healthy competition to our squad,” Chester stated. We discovered that a lack of depth in our roster was a big element in the team’s demise at the end of the season.
“Jack’s signature helps to correct that. We will also have a reserves team next year, so our new recruits have that in mind.
“At Leigh, he will have numerous opportunities to advance his career.” Adrian Lam believes in giving young athletes a chance.
“You look at Lammy’s time at Wigan and the young players he helped develop who are now regular members of the first team squad.”
“Jack is an intelligent kid with a good Rugby League pedigree, and we are all looking forward to him joining for pre-season.”
