12:26pm Friday 26th June 2009
By David Parkinson
LEIGH Centurions could continue with Martyn Ridyard in midfield this weekend following news that Joe Williams will not be coming on board this season.
The Australian half back’s application for a visa was turned down denied last week but signing Tom Hemingway on loan from Huddersfield Giants gives Leigh an extra option.
Head coach Paul Rowley said missing out on Williams is a blow, adding: "If you are offered an NRL player you are never going to turn it down but I’ve said all along that he was only ever pencilled in.
“I’m just glad to put it to bed.”
Rowley feels that inexperienced Ridyard has coped in the role after being thrust into first team action on a regular basis.
“The expectation on him has been immense,” he said.
“But I think he’s done pretty well to be fair, although we would like to have the chance to treat him a bit more carefully, protect him and get a mentor in to help him to become the finished article.”
The club have been seeking alternatives to Williams and landed Hemingway last night, Thursday, giving Centurions extra cover in the halves.
The goal kicking scrum half or stand off trained with his new teammates last night.
He has been part of the Giants Super League squad since 2005, and, despite making seven appearances for the Giants last year, has played in just one Huddersfield first team game this season.
The 22-year-old has also played previous loan spells with Batley in 2007 and most recently, Halifax, for whom he played two games on a similar deal.
“Tom Hemingway is an up and coming prospect who has probably been unlucky with injuries in recent seasons but he’s got great potential and I feel that we are really lucky to have him onboard,” declared Rowley.
“He looked very sharp in training and it hopefully won’t take him too long to fit in and become a brilliant acquisition for us.”
Hemingway has joined Leigh for a month in the first instance but that could be extended once the initial period is complete.
Whether Rowley goes with Ridyard or Hemingway at stand off for Sunday's trip to Whitehaven, kick off 3pm, remains to be seen but the Leigh boss knows a difficult prospect is in store.
“It’s a tough division and we are playing against some quality players,” he said.
“Whitehaven is never an easy place to go but it’s no different to every other game.
“We’ll be trying to come away with a win to give us a bit more of a comfortable feeling with regard to our league position.
“We are not unlucky to be where we are in the table.
“That means we’ve got to work especially hard to get the points week in and week out, but it is achievable.
“A lot of it is reputation, but the most dominating side I’ve taken to Whitehaven was the young team from a couple of seasons ago and we beat them convincingly. ”
This time around there will be no Adam Higson, ruled out for a further six weeks with a hand injury, although Dave Alstead is back in contention.
Meanwhile, Centurions have added another two more names to their squad for 2010 in the shape of wide men Steve Maden and Nick Stanton.
Both have agreed a new 12-month deal.
Maden, who returned to the club from Whitehaven last year, has scored five tries so far this season and 28 tries in 85 games for the club, including nine during their brief spell in Super League.
Originally Maden came through the ranks at Golborne Parkside and trialled with the club during Darren Abram’s stay as Academy boss before signing for Warrington and then St Helens.
This latest contract should see Steve move through the 100 game mark for the club.
Stanton has made a promising start to his first-team career this season, with three tries and two goals from 11 appearances thus far.
He originally came through the academy ranks at Wigan and last season scored nine tries and kicked 70 goals for a rampant Reserve side.
He was even more prolific in 2007 when he scored 20 tries and 96 goals in 22 Senior Academy appearances.
Other players currently on contract for next season are Stuart Donlan, Mick Nanyn, Mike Morrison, James Taylor, Chris Hill, Adam Higson and Jonathan Pownall.
* The Reserves will take on Whitehaven at Twist Lane on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.
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