Leigh Centurions can confirm that they have reached a compromise agreement with Matthew Sarsfield who will now leave the Club and become a free agent.

By scoring the opening try in Leigh’s Grand Final victory over Featherstone Rovers in 2014 Sarsfield capped a notable debut season when he was part of a dominant pack. But he was restricted by injuries to four first team appearances in 2015. He made a total of 31 appearances for Leigh, scoring 12 tries and earning Heritage Number 1386.

Sarsfield, 24, came through the ranks of Leigh Miners Rangers before signing for Wigan Warriors and progressing through their Under-18s and Under-20s teams, representing England Academy in 2010. He then spent two years with Huddersfield Giants which included a dual contract stint at Dewsbury Rams and joined his hometown club after playing for Swinton Lions in 2013.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “Matthew has made a significant contribution to the Club’s recent successes and leaves with the best wishes of everyone.

“I’d like to thank him for all the loyalty and support he has given to me and my staff and for the way he has represented the Club. I wish him well in the future and look forward to seeing him in action for his new club.”

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: “Matthew still has a bright future and I also wish him well and know that he respects and understands the honesty behind what has been a very difficult decision to communicate.

“I also hope our supporters can understand the situation as opinions on players differ. He is a really likeable and loyal lad. I am confident we will see him at the LSV next year albeit for an opposing side but I for one will make him very welcome and I am sure our fans will also.”

The Club has also confirmed that a compromise agreement has been reached with Jamie Tracey who will also leave the Club and become a free agent.

Tracey, 21, played a prominent role for the Reserves side in their successes of the past two seasons and spent the latter part of the 2015 season on extended loan at Championship One club Barrow Raiders where he made four first team appearances.

Mr Beaumont said: "Jamie is a great lad and it is unfortunate it has not worked out for him. As with all players it is important to be honest and this enables Jamie to assess his career both as an individual and a rugby player. I am sure he will continue to have a future in the game and he leaves with our best wishes."

Disappointing to see Sarsfield leave, as if fully fit I think he could've added something to our pack, even with all the new arrivals and could come back to bite us on the behind.

It would be easy to get emotional about these decisions but we are in a business of winning.
I have to say that every time I saw Matty play he put everything into it. When he put that shirt on he was Leigh through and through. Good luck both the lads.

Good luck to both Matt and Jamie. I'm sure Matt has a great future in the game and hope he can steer clear of injuries in the future - sorry to see him go.

Me too Alan -good luck to Matty Sarsfield, always gave 100% for us.

As Derek said its about winning and to be honest there is too many in front of sarsfield! As for Tracey not seen much of him so can't comment

I agree with Alan too.

Injury free matt would have been a great squad member for us.Gook look to both lads im sure both will get snapped up quickly

Thanks to both players and good luck for the future.

Tracey is a promising looking player but at the rate the team as a whole is improving it's not really fair to keep him on on the chance he'll be good enough one day when he's good enough for many teams now. All the best of luck to him.

Disappointed Sarsfield has gone, a good player who was unlucky with injuries. I'd have liked to keep hold of him, ideally send him out on loan for a month or two then bring him in to rotate the squad in the middle of the season. If he wants more than that though, and he's certainly capable of it, then good on him and all the best to him.