DANNY Richardson has a smile back on his face and that’s good news for Leigh Centurions and parent club St Helens.

Richardson has shown only glimpses of the form that earned him a place in the 2018 Super League Dream Team.

The Widnes born half back has found it hard to adjust to his change of circumstance with Saints boss Justin Holbrook opting to partner Jonny Lomax with French playmaker, Theo Fages, this season.

Last week he also saw fellow Leigh loanees, Jack Ashworth and Aaron Smith, return to Saints and feature in a 26-0 whitewash of London Broncos.

But a heart-to-heart with Leigh boss John Duffy in the build-up to last weekend’s game against Swinton Lions has lightened Richardson’s mood.

As a result, the 22-year-old Theo Fages shone in testing conditions as Centurions won 30-12 at Heywood Road to record a first away win of their Betfred Championship campaign.

“I just made sure, off the field, I was in a better head space,” said Richardson who played 34 times for Saints in 2018, scoring six tries and kicking nearly 150 goals.

“I thought if I could get that right the rugby would look after itself,” he added.

“I had a good chat with ‘Duffs’ and he reassured me about a few things. So, I was able to let the rugby look after itself.

“Now, I am 100 percent feeling better and usually when you feel better and feel good the two are linked.

“I felt a lot happier and had a smile on my face out there in the middle.

“The year I had last year, to have that taken away from me was hard to swallow.

“It’s tough for a young kid to deal with.

“However, you can sulk and moan all your life.

“I just thought crack on and enjoy myself playing for Leigh. Winning makes it even more enjoyable

“I had multiple conversations with Justin,” he said of the situation with his parent club.

“He has picked his team and they are five out of five and on top of the league. So, what can you do?

“I am just trying to get back to enjoy myself and my rugby.”

Richardson’s contributions helped Leigh scored six tries against Stuart Littler’s Lions.

“Swinton were a tough team to play against and they were tough conditions. So, the two points were the most important thing.

“Playing in a gale force wind made it hard work for the half backs but we made the most of it.”

Centurions now face Rochdale Hornets at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

Hornets home game against York City Knights last Sunday was postponed due to high winds and adverse weather with ground staff unable to erect the goal posts and remove pitch coverings.

*Wakefield half back and former Centurions favourite Ben Reynolds has joined Featherstone Rovers on loan after failing to break into Trinity’s first team since leaving Leigh last year.

Reynolds made his Rovers’ debut in last Sunday’s 32-14 win over previously unbeaten Sheffield Eagles.