Hamilton released

By Matt Lawton
June 12 2003

The widely expected unveiling of the signing of St Helens and Ireland stand off Tommy Martyn at a Coliseum press conference never materialised, but there is some news on the Centurions transfer front, with a much loved fringe player departing.

Well despite the positive noises in this week's press and the constant rumours, Tommy Martyn didn't come 'home' this afternoon but the one bit of definite Centurions transfer news saw the departure of hooker John Hamilton.

Hamilton has been released from his Centurions contract with immediate effect to allow him join National League One rivals Rochdale Hornets in his quest for first team rugby. Hamilton's first team progress at Leigh has been prevented by a slow healing arm injury and the good form of first choice Centurions hooker, England international Paul Rowley.

Hamilton signed for the Centurions in the Autumn of 2000 on a free transfer from Super League champions St. Helens as an expected replacement for young hooker Micky Higham, who eventually moved in the opposite direction once a lengthy three-way contractual dispute between the Centurions, St Helens and Halifax Blue Sox had been settled. Hamilton played a pivotal role in Leigh's romp to the Northern Ford Premiership Minor Premiership, the Trans-Pennine Cup and a memorable Challenge Cup run during the 2001 season, although it ended in disappointment with a home defeat against local rivals Widnes Vikings in the Major Semi Finals of the play-offs, with the Vikings eventually winning promotion to Super League.

Hamilton's final appearance came in Leigh's 26-6 victory over Featherstone in the National League Cup Quarter Finals last month, where he was voted as sponsors' man of the match.

Good luck at Spotland with the Hornets, John.