#halifax rl

LeighUpdates got in touch with Leigh's free scoring halfback Ryan Brierley, to get his views on the season so far, his role in the team, some disappointing results this season and also the big Tetley's Challenge Cup tie with Wigan Warriors on Friday.  Here's what Ryan had to say.

1. It was great to see you on board for this season, what were the reasons for you staying with the Centurions and how is the team spirit in the camp?

Yeah I really enjoyed myself last year on loan, and I felt wanted which is half the battle as a professional athlete, Paul Rowley made it quite clear that he wanted me to be part of his plans. There were a few other offers on the table but to be quite honest I didn’t really consider them, as soon as Paul put the contract in front of me I signed it straight away, the relationship I have with the fans is something special and I couldn’t leave them, I wouldn’t feel right leaving them.

2. The season has been fairly successful so far, but there have been a few blips along the way. What do you think went wrong in the Featherstone game, which granted was the first of the season, but more specifically the Sheffield game which was a little disappointing.

I think like you say the Featherstone game we was a little undercooked but we should of performed a lot better than we did, Sheffield at home was a really poor performance from all of us and it took us 60 minutes to turn up but you cant give a team like Sheffield a head start, we gave ourselves too much too do and never really recovered.

3. With the Halifax game just gone, a lot of fans were pretty disappointed. Fax are obviously going strong but we weren't in this game at all. Is the Wigan game a distraction or is that an easy excuse? What do you think went wrong?

First of all I would like to apologise on a personal note and on behalf of the team. Our performance was not acceptable, no player makes mistakes on purpose and I can assure you ever member of the team gave 100% but our decision making in defence and attack was embarrassing at times and all we can do is apologise for that, we didn’t execute Paul Rowley’s game plan and didn’t give him what he asked for so the responsibility lies with us as players and I can assure every fan we will put it right.

4. Many fans talk about the game time you are getting Ryan. Are you happy with the role you play for Leigh at the moment?

It does get a little frustrating at times because I’m a young kid and just want to play rugby, but I trust and respect Paul Rowley and I will do anything I can to help the team, I will never sulk or question Paul because I have too much respect for him, he’s like a father figure to me and has looked after me during my time here and hopefully he can keep developing and improving my game as a player and as a person. And as long as we both improve together I’m happy playing whatever role he asks me to play.

5. Looking at the league table, it's been very competitive so far. Leigh look to be in the mix again. Have the team set any goals? Is this the year we can finally win a playoff game for the first time since 2004?

To be honest we just take every game as t comes and see where we end up, we realise as a group of players and an organisation we are one of the top teams in this league so we have to live up to that reputation week win week out, but it is a pressure we relish. I have personal goals but I would like to keep them to myself and go quietly about my business, which goes for the team as well.

6. What do you make of the new rules introduced this year? Gregg McNally mentioned earlier in season that he was disappointed the RFL didn't talk to the players more about the changes to the shoulder charge rule. Also, the free play rule is something new to the game. Is it something players need to get in to a mind set for, so that the first instinct is to try something as it is a no lose situation. For instance Swinton used it to great effect against us recently, is it something you look at in training?

Greg moans about everything! But he is right, the RFL never ask for the players opinions, they should ask for players input because its us who play the game and we have a better understanding of what should and shouldn’t be in the game. The free play I really like because its a chance to try a flick pass, chip kick all the fancy stuff you probably wouldn’t try, but as for the shoulder charge I was chuffed to bits because at least no one can do it to me now!

7. After Leeds in the QF last year, it's now Wigan in the 4th round this season. How do the lads feel about this one and is there a different approach with this being at the DW rather than the LSV? Is there anything that can be learned from last year?

No our approach will be exactly the same whether it be home or away, last year was a great experience for me personally, we performed really well and I think the score flattered Leeds in the end but we learned a lot from that so hopefully we will be able to handle the occasion a little better, we appreciate the challenge on our hands and were not going to shy away from that fact, but we certainly can not go there scared of them, we respect them but we don’t fear them. They have got special players who can hurt us at any moment the likes of Sam Tomkins and Matty Smith, but as long as we stick to our principles of working hard for each other, I’m sure we can cause them a few problems a long they way. We will go there confident in our ability as players and people, I urge the Leigh fans to get behind us all game because we will need you, and I promise we wont let you down and you will leave the stadium proud.

8. Finally, it was great to see some videos of you and Riddy messing around with the kick at goals. Can we get some more insider videos? Perhaps videos on away days on the team bus? After match banter like the video earlier in the season with Coyle?

Me and Riddy always have a mess around before training starts trying different trick shots. I’m winning easy but he’s too stubborn to realise it, sometimes he’s there for hours trying to copy something I’ve just done, it’s a shame. On a serious note though Riddy is one of my best mates in the team and we spend a lot of time together off it and I learn so much from him, if I come up with a successful play in the game its normally down to Riddy and ill always be grateful for it, so when something does come off, its not a fluke we spend a lot of hours on the training ground along with Gregg McNally practicing these things so we can use them in games. With Gregg living in Yorkshire its hard to get him involved in the videos but its something me and Riddy like getting involved in, we have our own slot now on Centurions TV so make sure you watch our for some funny new videos.

Thanks you for your time and I look forward to seeing you all cheering us on behind the posts in the away end of the DW stadium.

Leigh secured a stunning victory over Halifax for the second time in a row, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup in such dramatic circumstances.  A Martyn Ridyard drop goal in golden point extra time, sealed the win for Leigh and sent the Leigh Sports Village crowd wild. 

A repeat of the 2011 Northern Rail Cup final is on the cards, as Leigh Centurions were drawn against Halifax at the Leigh Sports Village in the next round of the Challenge Cup.  Leigh face their Yorkshire rivals this Thursday in what will be a good test before the sides meet in the lucrative cup tie. 

It is likely that the winner will face one of the big boys of Super League in the Quarter-Finals of the competition and should ensure a big payout from the shared gate. 

Leigh continued their great start to the season yesterday, running out convincing 44 - 14 winners against the Northern Rail Cup runners up.  In a game that Leigh controlled for the vast majority of the game, it was another good hit out for the Centurions and sets them up nicely for the final pre-season game against arch rivals Wigan Warriors at the LSV on Friday.

Leigh showed some ruthless attacking play at times, with the pick of the bunch being a lightning quick three point pass in the centre of the field to send McNally through and the 'Fax defence bamboozled.  Only some quick scramble defence saw Leigh denied what would have been a great team try.

As with the first game against Salford, it is still hard to know what to make of the results so far but it certainly is encouraging to see the team playing fluid attacking rugby and some steely defence.  Hopefully this form will be taken into the first competitive game of the season against Barrow in the Northern Rail Cup group stage. 

Leigh Team:

McNally, Maden, Littler, Gardner, McGilvary, Ridyard, Duffy, Bibey, Beswick, Parker, Goulden, Briscoe, Nicholson.

Subs: Brierley, Worrincey, Clay, Gallagher. 

Tries: Dean McGilvary, Bob Beswick, Martin Ridyard, Tommy Goulden, Stuart Littler 2, Matt Gardener, Ryan Brierley.

Goals: Ridyard 6/8

Leigh Scoring Highlights:

(With Thanks to Leigh-On-Video Productions)

Match Reports from around the web:

Halifax Courier

Leighcenturions.com

Leigh suffered their first defeat of the Championship season on Thursday night at the hands of a much improved Halifax side, in front of the Sky cameras.  The gathered Leigh Sports Village crowd anticipated a good contest, stabilising the club at a time where off the field matters are dominating the headlines.  But it was not to be, as the visitors ran away 16 - 36 victors, to start their march up the Championship table.

Halifax started much the brighter side and were over in the early minutes, thanks to a penalty giving the 'Fax side the field position.  The ball was sent wide through hands to put Worrincey in for the first of his brace.  The conversion was missed, putting Leigh behind 0 - 4.

Then a sign that the night really wasn't going to be the Centurions followed.  A kick on the last from 'Fax, saw the ball cannon into the air from the Leigh player and land perfectly in the hands of Halifax for Beswick to follow up and score under the posts.  Jones goaled to make it 0 - 10 to the visitors and Leigh were stunned.

Leigh were allowed back into the game straight from the kick off though, as Jones knocked on.  From the resulting pocession, the Centurions came close and forced a drop out.  However they would not be denied on this set of six, as Goulden made the break on the left hand side before slipping the ball to the willing supporting run of Martyn Ridyard.  Nanyn goaled to close the score to 6 - 10.

A period of play later saw Halifax into the Leigh danger zone again.  A cutting pass was thrown seemingly forward, however the officials waved play on and this allowed Bannister to slice through the Leigh defence and grab the try.  Jones was on hand to goal again and Halifax increased the score to 6 - 16.

Leigh looked to respond and in doing so were nearly intercepted by Nash who just knocked on in his own 30.  This should of served as a warning sign for Leigh though, but it was not heeded.  Instead from the resulting set of six, Nash again went for the intercept, this time it coming off.  He marched to the halfway line before a motoring Worrincey took over on the halfway line to go under the sticks with no Leigh player in sight.  Jones again added the extras and Leigh were looking at an uphill task, 6 - 22.

Some more error strewn play from Leigh, with Ellis knocking on in his own 20, saw 'Fax applying the pressure again.  A simple move down the left hand side saw former Centurion Miles Greenwood, cut thorugh a huge hole in the Leigh defence to grab a try.  6 - 26.

There was still time for Halifax to grab another before half time, despite the suspicious nature of the passes again.  'Fax looked to keep the ball alive and some great offloads in quick succession, put Jones in under the posts.  He converted his own try, to put the visitors in at half-time 6 - 32 to the good.

If Leigh were to turn around the terrible first half performance, they needed to come out with all guns blazing.  They certainly didn't do that.  As Dean McGilvary looked to clean up a deep kick into the Leigh half, he was tackled on his own 10.  With no Leigh player near the play the ball, he rolled it back to no one, allowing the waiting marker Nash to pounce on the ball.  From the play it was quickly moved out and 'Fax were over.  Amateurish play by Leigh to say the least.  6 - 36.

That would be the end of the scoring for Halifax, but the job was clearly done.  Some cagey play ensued for the remainder of the game, with Halifax looking to contain Leigh and see the game out.  Leigh were able to add a little respectability to the score line in the final 10 minutes however, scoring two well worked tries. 

The first of which saw Leigh put some pressure on the Halifax line.  After drawing the players in, Ridyard sent a looping pass wide for Maden to walk over in the corner.  10 - 36.

Then just before the full time hooter, Ridyard made a break down the right hand side, before looking to Thornley in support to go in from 30 metres out.  Nanyn was able to add the extras to finish the game, 16 - 36.

Not the greatest day at the office for Leigh, who will be looking to get their season back on track with the two big games against Dewsbury in the League and Cup Semi-Final repsectively. 

Leigh Centurions: Donlan, Maden, Armstrong, Nanyn, McGilvray; Ridyard, Ellis; Mills, Nicholson, Nash, Littler, Goulden, Taylor. Substitutes: Duffy, Thornley, Higson, Hill.

Tries: Ridyard, Maden, Thornley.

Goals: Nanyn (2).

Halifax: Greenwood, White, Patterson, Nash, Worrincy; Jones, Black; Gannon, Beswick, Aizue, Smith, Bannister, Barlow. Substitutes: Cherryholme, Watene, Fairbank, Dudson.

Tries: Worrincey(2), Beswick, Bannister, Greenwood, Jones, Barlow.

Goals: Jones(4).

Referee: T Roby (RFL).

Attendance: 2,525

MOM: Ridyard - tough this week, but a lot of the positives for Leigh from this game came from Martyn.

                                                                                         Written By: David Sale

Leigh stretched their winning run to 10 games defeating bottom of the league Halifax 22 - 32 in an expansive game, played in perfect sunny conditions at the Shay Stadium.   It was Leigh who started the better of the two, with Ellis scoring the Centurions first points under the posts.  Nanyn goaled to make it 0 - 6 to the Centurions.

Leigh thought they had added to their lead after McGilvary touched down in the corner but the try was disallowed for offside.  But the Centurions did add further points when the ball went wide, Leigh were tackled just short.  But Maden scooted from the resulting play the ball to offload to Littler who stretched out to score in the corner.  Nanyn couldnt convert so it remained 0 - 10 to Leigh.

Then around the half hour mark, Leigh began to allow penalties to creep into their game.  The resulting poisiton for 'Fax allowed them to send the ball wide for Chandler to touch down and get them back in the game.  The conversion was unsuccesful, 4 - 10.

Penalties were again Leigh's undoing shortly before half-time.  When on the attack some confusion in the ranks resulted in a penalty for crossing and this put 'Fax on Leighs line.  From the tap Leigh's defence was simply none existant and Greenwood was put through to score under the posts unopposed.  The teams went in at half-time at 10 - 10.

Leigh came out for the second half in a determined mood and got back in front after a half break from Ellis gave Leigh the attacking position.  This allowed the ball to go to Hill who crashed over under the sticks.  Nanyn converted to make it 10 - 16 to the Centurions.

Leigh then looked to take a grip of the game and some enterprising rugby from the Centurions saw them put the ball through hands on the right hand side to keep it alive culminating in a great long pass by Ridyard to send Maden in.  Nanyn added the extras from the touchline.  10 - 22.

Leigh again turned on the style from the next play, marching into the Halifax half before looking to that right hand side once more.  Flick passing and good hands allowed Maden in on the right for his second try.  Definatley one to watch again!  Nanyn converted his second touchline conversion 10 - 28.  

Leigh effectively sealed the game following another attack down the right hand side that saw Littler throw a great dummy and go in for his second try of the game.  Nanyn was unable to convert and it was 10 - 32.

With the game won, Millward looked to rest a few player with the upcoming games over the busy Easter weekend, replacing Hill with Hopkins whilst also taking off Ellis and Littler.  This perhaps disrupted Leigh a little and invited 'Fax to attack.  Some simply superb rugby from 'Fax saw them claw back a deserved bonus point.  The first try coming from Worrincy after 'Fax started to throw the ball around with nothing to lose.  Then just before full-time, Lee Patterson was put through to seal a bonus point at least for the home side. 

Leigh will come away very happy with the win that puts them back at the top of the table and sets them up very nicely for two tough Easter weekend games, the first of which sees the Centurions welcome Barrow Raiders to the Leigh Sports Village on Good Friday.  They will surely be looking for revenge following Leighs stunning turnaround at Craven Park a few weeks previous.  Leigh Updates will of course be live from the game as usual.

Halifax: Greenwood; White, Paterson, Haley, Worrincy; Jones, Holroyd; Ostick, Beswick, Cherryholme, Smith, Bannister, Fairbank. Substitutes: Aizue, Penkywicz, Gannon, Chandler

Tries: Chandler, Greenwood, Worrincy, Patterson

Goals: Holroyd (3)

Leigh: Donlan; Maden, Armstrong, Nanyn, McGilvray; Ridyard, Ellis; Hill, Duffy, Mitchell, Littler, Goulden, Taylor. Substitutes: Thornley, Hopkins, Govin, Mills

Tries: Ellis, Littler (2), Hill, Maden (2)

Goals: Nanyn (4)

Referee: C Sharrad