Ryan knows he’s going to feel wrath of Leigh boo boys
FORMER Leigh favourite Ryan Brierley is bracing himself for a barracking as he prepares to face his old club for the first time since his acrimonious departure.
The prolific half-back scored 133 tries for the Centurions in just over four seasons from 2012-16 but was suspended by the club 12 months ago after handing in his notice to quit and subsequently joined Huddersfield on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Brierley is hoping the Leigh fans remember his contribution to their club as well as his controversial departure when he returns with the Giants for tonight’s Betfred Super League clash at the Sports Village.
“I understand I’m going to cop a bit of abuse, that’s natural when former players return to their old club, but I’ll take it in my stride,” Brierley said. “I’m also going to be respectful to the fans who supported me for so long.”
Brierley, who turns 25 this weekend, left the Centurions to pursue his ambition of playing in the top flight and was delighted to see his old club join him after they clinched promotion against Huddersfield in the Super 8s Qualifiers last September.
Brierley, who was a spectator for Leigh’s crucial 48-40 victory at the Sports Village, said: “It’s all water under the bridge now.
“I absolutely loved my time at Leigh. It’s a big part of what I am today and I will always be thankful for what that club did for me. I’ve got a lot of respect for the people at that club.
“There are no issues now. They deserve their chance in Super League and, as long as they don’t win against us, I wish them all the best.
“I’m sure I’ll thank the fans at full-time regardless of whether we win or lose.”
St Helens are also in action tonight with an away trip to Hull.
Meanwhile, Oldham have brought in Salford forwards Jordan Walne and Liam Bent on month-long loan deals.
The Red Devils pair can each play prop or second row and arrive at a time when several Roughyeds forwards are still nursing knocks from their fixture at Hull KR and Phil Joy is out with a dislocated shoulder.
Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: “We picked up a couple of knocks in that game and with Phil Joy currently sidelined, the two new lads, Jordan and Liam, will add to our numbers and increase competition for places.”
Walne has featured for Roughyeds in the past, making two appearances on dual-registration in 2013. Since then, he has broken into the Salford first team and made 48 Super League appearances.
Bent progressed to the Red Devils firstteam squad in 2016, having previously won the ‘best forward’ award for his performances in the under 19s at just 17 years old.