Struggling Leigh turn to ex-Saints boss Cunningham
FORMER St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham has made a surprise return to the game as head of rugby at relegation-threatened Leigh.
Cunningham, who was sacked by Saints in April after a poor start to the Super League campaign, has joined the Centurions until the end of the season, the club have announced.
The 40-year-old will take over the head of rugby duties of club owner Derek Beaumont and will offer support to coach Neil Jukes.
Cunningham said: “I have not come in to take anyone’s place but to add my knowledge and experience at this stage of the season. I get on well with ‘Jukesy’ and he is a good friend.
“Derek has brought me in to ease the burden on Neil and bring my experience to Leigh Centurions. Hopefully I will bring a new set of eyes and structures and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity.”
The Centurions were promoted to the top flight last season but face the prospect of an immediate return to the Championship having failed to make the top eight and been drawn into the Qualifiers.
They began their challenge in the ‘middle eight’ competition with victory over Featherstone but, potentially crucially, lost to another of the Championship sides in Hull KR on Saturday.
Cunningham will be involved for the final five matches of the competition, plus the ‘Million Pound Game,’ should Leigh be involved.
Beaumont said: “Keiron has substantially more experience than myself and I feel his appointment will bring in someone with a fresh pair of eyes and a different approach as well as a different voice around the place to freshen things up.
“I still have the utmost confidence in Neil Jukes and my coaching team and their ability to achieve our goals, which I believe will be increased by Keiron’s presence.”
Meanwhile, Salford coach Ian Watson is still backing his Salford side to turnaround their run of eight defeats in their last nine Super League games.
The Reds suffered a 23-4 loss against Castleford on Friday night in the Super 8s.
“We looked a bit more dangerous and if we stick with that effort going forward we will learn,” said Watson.
“We are missing a bit of know-how and need to be ruthless in our defence.
“But we are learning every week. It’s tough for us because of the losing run we are on but I know we can turn it around.