Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:01 pm  

Leigh Centurions are pleased to confirm that Martin Aspinwall has agreed to extend his career with the Club and has agreed a one-year full-time contract that will commence on 1 December 2014.

Aspinwall, 32, has made a successful transition from the three-quarters to the front-row and has a wealth of top flight and international experience. After beginning his career with home town club Wigan, graduating through their scholarship scheme, he made his first-team debut in 2001 and went on to make 109 appearances, scoring 33 tries for the Warriors. He was a member of the Wigan side defeated by Bradford Bulls in the 2003 Super League grand final.

He moved to Huddersfield in 2006 and in five seasons with the Giants scored 29 tries in 95 games and was a member of the side defeated by St Helens in the 2006 Challenge Cup final. He was also selected for the Great Britain squad that competed in the 2006 Tri-Series down under to add to earlier representative honours for Lancashire, Super League under-21s and England A.

After spells at Castleford Tigers and Hull FC he joined Leigh in 2012 and has made a total of 275 career appearances, scoring 68 tries, including 51 tries in 223 Super League games.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: "It's pleasing to be able to add Martin to the full-time squad for next season. He has been unfortunate since he joined us with injuries, meaning he has been unable to string any decent run together to prove his form.

"He has finally got a few games together of late and demonstrated in those that he still has a lot to offer to the Club and it was pleasing to see him get his first try on the board at Doncaster. He is a solid player and a really likeable lad. His invaluable experience of being in a full-time environment will be a great benefit to us in this transitional year into full-time."

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley said: "Martin has been at our Club for a couple of seasons but every time he has hit form he has then got injured. Recently he has had a good run of games and form.

"It is very pleasing to add someone of Martin's experience to the full-time squad for next season. It helps give a strong feel to the squad and applies even more pressure to the fantastic group of players we have in our middle unit. Martin is low maintenance and I am delighted to have him around for at least another year." ​

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:43 pm  

Can't say I was expecting that

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Mon Jul 28, 2014 9:43 pm  

Well, all I can say is enjoy the rest of this season!!
Next years "Mad Monday" will be at some OAP's Club!!

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:35 pm  

Paul Rowley know's what he is doing.....good luck Martin, with yer injuries..etc

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:42 pm  

Budgiezilla wrote:

Paul Rowley know's what he is doing.....good luck Martin, with yer injuries..etc

He's only managed to put together and coach a squad good enough to win 20 games and a bonus point this season (out of 21). I can see why JC would question his signings as PR has such a shakey record this season
We need to remember that we need to build on a budget, not go poop or bust. The recent more experienced signings are obviously a balance of SL experience, quality, squad needs, AND budget needs.
The one year contract is an obvious precaution due to his recent injury problems and age. A risk, but I trust it's a fully calculated one by PR and the BOM.

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:01 am  

Good tough player with bags of experience another good full time appointment

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:19 am  

When we signed Martin Aspinwall it felt like he was the best signing in a long time but the number of first team appearances and his impact in those games has for me been very limited. Quite obviously serious injuries have been a major obstacle but the bottom line in that he has been with us for nearly 2 seasons and his total contribution related to the investment to date can only be judged as a poor return. It feels like Martin owes the club and the fans - let's hope he can deliver over the next year plus.
I am trusting PR's judgement again as his track record speaks for itself, but I do hope he is proven to be right on this signing.

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:21 am  

Makes sense to me. Obviously rated by rowley hence the last few weeks. Experienced, professional, provides further depth in the squad.

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:06 am  

Coach picks the players he wants to get the job done, aspinwall came after a great season at hull and has fired blanks for us, maybe he needs a full time structure and maybe his body has healed after so few games
Coaches are judged on results and Paul hasn't done too badly this season so far

Re: Aspinwall Pens New Full Time Deal : Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:22 pm  

I try to refrain from commenting on team matters but feel it's important people understand the facts on this one and the fact is that Martin was already a contracted player for next season with one year left on his current Part Time deal. The decision to improve his terms and make him full time is effectively a top up on his existing contract that he already had and reward for his efforts and commitment and professionalism he's shown this year.

I know Martin was closely monitored by Derek, Paul and the staff in his recent loan spell at Swinton were he found some fitness and form making the Championship team of the week for them and performing very well and he was brought back to feature for us and has played consistently three weeks running to cement his place in the FT squad next year.

Some of the small minded comments made with a lack of facts and knowledge is staggering at times but hey ho we carry on moving onwards and upwards choosing to keep our glass firmly half full and looking positively at every move we make.

I was interested to read some of the negative posters of the Jefferies signing were defending Fev signing Rooney, says it all really doesn't it........