BRICKIE Neil Turley is proud to have helped cement firm foundations for Leigh's big Super League adventure.

Now it's time for him to consider booting the day job into touch, and look forward to fulfilling his lifelong ambition of playing top-flight RL with his hometown team.

Neil, 24, has been used to being up at the crack of dawn, setting off to building sites across the North West armed with his buttie box and flask.

Super League serves up the chance to be a full-time professional and he's hungry for success at this level.

The talented full-back was man of the match in Leigh's Grand Final win over Whitehaven, scoring 18 points and showing champion qualities.

Glasses are still being raised in his honour in and around Leigh, where RL is a way of life to the loyal legions of Centurions' supporters.

The modest hero today revealed how a drive around the town on the morning of the big match inspired him to go out and play the game of his life.

Neil said: "I saw people throughout the town turning out in droves setting out for the final. The whole place was buzzing, everyone was so excited.

"I knew what it would mean to them to see their team in Super League and those thoughts never left me.

"No way could we have let them down. This was our best ever chance of going up and, fortunately, things went according to plan.

"I will always have fantastic memories of this particular day.

"The Grand Final was an unbelievable game to play in. The nerves were jangling at times but I always thought we would do it.

"Our supporters were again superb. They're so passionate and if anyone deserves to see the club in Super League, it's them.

Terraces

"Five years ago, I was with them on the terraces at Bury watching Leigh lose by one point to Dewsbury and miss out on the chance of going up.

"That hurt me. I, too, was shouting my head off willing the team on. I also know what it's like to lose a Grand Final from a player's point of view. It's not nice, it hurts you and your family.

"Winning promotion is everything I have worked for over the last four years. I guess success is extra special being a Leigh lad."

Neil played his schoolboy rugby at Bedford High and later joined Leigh Rangers. His ambition was always to pull on a Leigh shirt and play at Hilton Park..

Neil is the son of Norman Turley, a former player and member of the Centurions coaching staff.

Neil adds: "I used to watch my dad play. He has always said `just go out and play your own game,' do what you think is right.

"I enjoy playing full-back. It's a great position, you are so involved."

RL legend Alex Murphy, Leigh's football director, believes Turley can prove a hit in Super League.

Murphy said: "Neil is a tremendously talented player who fully deserves the chance to make a name for himself in Super League. He has already broken umpteen scoring records and can really make his mark. He has been a real points machine.

"He reads the game brilliantly, he has bags of ability and he can score tries. What I like about the lad is his commitment and his superb pace - he's a top pro."

Neil was a target for Warrington last season but stayed loyal to Leigh.

He adds: "I always said that if I was to play Super League it would only be for Leigh.

"This is what I have always wanted and now have the chance."

Neil will now sit down with Leigh bosses to discuss a Super League contract.

He, and his teammates, donned fancy dress yesterday and painted the town red in celebration of their promotion.

"Winning was special for everyone connected with Leigh," said Neil.

"The fans deserved it more than anything - they're just brilliant."

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