‘HUNGRY’ Martyn Ridyard is back at Leigh looking to make up for lost time and still with a point to prove.

The former Betfred Championship player of the year admits a return to his home town club initially hadn’t been on his radar.

But now he’s back Ridyard is determined to make up for lost time as part of head coach John Duffy’s revolution.

“It was an easy decision in the end (to re-join Centurions) though It was one I didn’t think was going to happen,” said Ridyard.

“I was looking at other clubs but as soon as John got announced (at Leigh) and I spoke to Featherstone about looking elsewhere, it all happened really fast.

“I never wanted to leave in the first place. And I ended up playing more Super League games for Huddersfield than my home town club which was frustrating.

“Now though it’s about the future. We all want what is best for the club and the town

“It makes me hungrier that I have a point to prove to people so it will do me good,” added the 32-year-old half back.

“It only felt strange coming back for a few days and now it feels like I have never left.

“John has got a group of lads together willing to turn up for each other, who want to be at the club, enjoy each other’s company and hopefully who will reap the rewards at the end of it.

Ridyard isn’t making predictions as to where Leigh will finish but he’s optimistic Duffy’s new-look squad will be competitive.

“Toronto have a brilliant squad and Toulouse and Widnes are full-time,” he added.

“So, some people think three full-time teams will be fighting it out and the rest of us are there to make up the numbers.

“But the Championship has got better each year. We are going to lose a game at some point.

“So, as long as we are giving 100 percent effort and commitment we will get more wins than we lose. I know it’s going to be exciting.”

Steve Hill, managing director of Hilltop Products, has joined the Leigh Board alongside: chairman Mike Latham, CEO Matthew Chantler, operations director Steve Openshaw and commercial director Jason Huyton.

The 52-year-old, whose company are the club’s main shirt sponsors for 2019, brings a wealth of business acumen to the role.

Latham said: “Steve grew a relationship with us all over a number of years in his role as a sponsor so was the perfect candidate to fit that bill and to be invited to join the group.”