LEIGH Centurions half-back Ryan Brierley is the Kingstone Press Championship player of the week.

Brierley took his try tally for the new season to eight in just two matches, after running in five in the 52-8 win at Barrow on Sunday.

Brierley claimed a hat-trick against Batley Bulldogs in round one, before scoring twice in the first half against Barrow and touching down three more times after the break.

Leigh coach Paul Rowley said: “Ryan was very good against Barrow. He’s still got a long way to go, but the best thing about him is that he knows that and is prepared to work hard.

“He’s very humble and has his feet on the floor. He’s a young lad learning his trade and having fun.

“Ryan’s been on a journey since he joined our club and he’s really starting to show how he’s matured and developed as a player. This year we’re seeing a whole new and improved Ryan.”

Brierley was one of three Leigh players to be named in this week’s Kingstone Press Championship team of the week, being joined by club-mates Jake Emmitt and Bob Beswick.

The full team of the week is: James Mendeika (Featherstone Rovers), Scott Turner (Sheffield Eagles), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Lee Paterson (Batley Bulldogs), Stewart Sanderson (Doncaster), Keiran Hyde (Dewsbury Rams), Ryan Brierley (Leigh Centurions), Jake Emmitt (Leigh Centurions), Bob Beswick (Leigh Centurions), Andrew Dawson (Barrow Raiders), Tim Spears (Featherstone Rovers), Mike Kelly (Doncaster), Andy Bracek (Halifax).