HEAD coach Paul Rowley has rocked Leigh Centurions by handing in his resignation less than a fortnight before the 2016 Championship season kicks off.

The 40-year-old, who took the helm in 2012, guided Leigh to the Championship title twice in two years.

However, despite a good Challenge Cup run, Leigh won just one game in the Middle Eight Qualifiers in 2015 and missed out on a place in Super League.

Rowley's statement read: "It is with a heavy heart I have decided to resign as coach.

"My reasons for leaving are personal and I will not comment further in public or in private."

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Leigh Centurions, Club Owner Derek Beaumont said: “It’s a very sad day for Leigh Centurions and it is certainly not something that we wanted or expected to happen.

"It is still sinking in and I would have preferred time to pass but inevitable media pressure requires the club to respond officially in order to remove any speculation."

“Paul is a personal friend and has been a great servant to the Club as a player and more recently as a coach, achieving success in both roles.

“Whilst we are extremely disappointed and shocked we wish Paul Rowley well and I hope our fans will do the same. He is a proud, passionate man and deserves the utmost respect which he will always receive from me personally.

“I have spoken to the coaching staff and players and obviously it is a shock to all concerned and it is early days. At this moment that group is being led by Neil Jukes and I am assured will remain focused on achieving our goals.

“Neither I nor the Club will be commenting further on this matter.”
 
 

Leigh Journal:

Paul Rowley, in charge of his final Leigh game at Warrington Wolves on Sunday. Picture: Mike Boden

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


Leigh Journal:

Paul Rowley, left rear, in his playing days with Leigh Centurions

Leigh Journal: Paul Rowley

Early days as a Leigh Centurions coach