Leigh Centurions are sad to report that Australian Curtis Johnston will not be joining the Club.

The Club’s attempt to register the North Sydney Bears winger with the Rugby Football League under a Discretionary Tier 2 GBE Application has been turned down after an appeal at Red Hall.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont attended the appeal meeting together with Acting CEO Steve Openshaw.

Mr Beaumont said: “It is very disappointing not to be able to introduce Curtis to the English game. I was excited by the prospect of what he could have added to our Club. I felt we put forward a well documented and balanced appeal which was acknowledged by the panel. However, they upheld the decision of the RFL at the same time as praising the attitude and performance of the Club. ‎

“We accept their decision and have a better understanding of the process. I would like to personally thank Andy Burnham MP for his assistance in this process. He was extremely supportive at short notice of the Club’s proposal which is testament to his commitment to the Club and the town of Leigh.

“I can confirm we will not be pursuing an alternative replacement for Curtis and will run with what we currently have. I sincerely hope he gets to earn an opportunity in the NRL from his current club as he certainly looks a player that can add something to the highest level of the game.”

MoiMoi and Johnston.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

[url=http://media.therfl.co.uk/docs/RFL%20GBE%20requirements%202014%20-%20Approved%20August%202013.pdfJudge for yourselves[/url

I just love the term ; 'Discretion' classic

A guaranteed package of 10 grand, not sure how much most players are on but surely that wouldn't put an overseas player anywhere near the top of most clubs caps. As Naomi Campbell once said, ' I wouldn't get out of bed for that money!'.

Well looks like he doesn't meet the criteria. Still a bit annoying though that a talented young player who'd stand out in the league & improve with time doesn't, yet some old past it player that's played a handful of games for a lower NRL club can come over to fade away (& obviously I don't mean Fuifui Moimoi, he's still class, obviously)

Obviously but I agree, also if same criteria is applied to SL and Championship it does stop young overseas players coming here to try and improve and raise their game. As it stands we would have missed out on Mike Hagan, Martin Bella and Paul Langmack who went from being teenagers playing over here to playing at the very top level.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want our young players missing out but within levels bringing over good class players should help all concerned. As I believe would Fui Fui, young Barlow could learn a lot from him if he gets his head round accepting solid advice.

Well reading that, it begs the question, "why the hell did we waste our time trying to sign him?" He clearly doesnt meet the criteria. Someone at the club should have realised that before we offered him a contract.

Very dissapointed. One question. Why announce a signing before everything has been sorted, we should of learnt our lesson from previous incidents like this

Which cost us an awful lot of money IIRC - which I presume in this instance it hasn't

Johnson signed for Redcliffe Dolphins more than a fortnight ago, was the visa appeal verdict known then ?

Signed for, or training with, with a view to sign for them if his visa was declined?

Quote ="Starbug"Signed for, or training with, with a view to sign for them if his visa was declined?'" www.redcliffedolphins.com.au/?id=6029

Quote ="Starbug"Signed for, or training with, with a view to sign for them if his visa was declined?'" www.redcliffedolphins.com.au/?id=6029

There was a clause in his contract (at the insistence of Curtis & Leigh Centurions) that should an English Club (Leigh Centurions) offer him a full time terms contract that he would be released immediately. This was done with the full backing of Redcliffe Dolphins who were fully aware of the situation. This scenario suited all parties as Curtis was able to get some pre season training in and also if the appeal failed the Redcliffe had a great young and hungry player.

He posted on facebook he was joining redcliffe and would be going there IF he didn't get his visa