LEIGH Centurions prop Andy Grundy has been given a free transfer after wanting to quit Hilton Park. Grundy has been released after coach Ian Millward was unable to give a guarantee that the ex-Wigan reserve grader would be in Leigh's first choice squad.

Millward admits to being 'disappointed' by Grundy's stance but sticks by his decision.

"No-one at this club has a divine right to a place in the starting line-up," Millward says. "Andy Grundy is no different to anyone else. Places in my teams have to be earned.

"I'm greatly disappointed by his attitude but I'm not prepared to promise him things I can't deliver. Andy was one of our contracted players so hopefully I will be able to use that money to recruit a replacement." Grundy, who worked out of Hilton Park in a development role visiting schools, says: "I throughly enjoyed my time at Leigh and would like to thank those people who made me so welcome both at the club and the schools."

The Centurions have also been hit by an injury blow to goal-kicking winger Paul Wingfield who goes into hospital tomorrow for surgery on a double hernia.

He will be out for around two months. Wingfield has struggled for some time with the groin problem but it has only been in the last week that he learned surgery was the only cure. "It is a blow, especially after working so hard during the close season, but it makes sense to get it out of the way now rather than struggle on and break down at a really crucial part of the season," says Wingfield.

New Aussie recruit Heath Cruickshank arrives on Friday and will play in Sunday's final trial game against Oldham at Hilton Park, kick off 3pm.

Millward is looking forward to seeing his backrower in action. "He'll do a great job for us and I'm sure the crowd will soon warm to him," he says.

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