By Matt Lawton
November 8 2002

Leigh Centurions have announced the departure of several players who have been first team players in recent years, with a couple of shocks in the list. Centre Jon Roper, who was impressive last year is one of the shocks along with Welsh international prop forward Dave Whittle who has enjoyed a succesful five years at Hilton Park and is now considering retirement despite being only young. Fellow Welsh international prop Gareth Price, who was on loan with Super League outfits London and Salford last year, has also been released. Centre or second rower Paul Anderson has joined Oldham Roughyeds along with winger Chris Irwin and controversial Welsh international second rower Chris Morley. Half back Liam Bretherton announced his retirement last year following a troublesome arm and shoulder injury while second rower Andrew Isherwood, who was announced in the NFP team of the year, is in talks with Super League Widnes Vikings about a possible move to the Halton Stadium. Youngster Ian Hodson has joined local National Conference outfit Leigh Miners Rangers. Long serving players Dave Ingram and Phil Kendrick have also been released along with utility back Mark McCully and powerful Cumbrian prop Simon Knox. As has been previously stated elsewhere on this website, former Great Britain scrum half Bobbie Goulding has been released due to his high wages whereas American international prop Vila Matautia has retired.
Cherry & White Online would like to wish all of the above players the very best of luck in the future.