DANNY Brough has given his seal of approval to teenage son Will’s decision to continue his rugby league education with Leigh Leopards.

Brough senior revealed the 18-year-old turned down a chance to extend his stay at Wakefield Trinity in favour of joining the Leopards’ revolution.

“I think Leigh is the place to be,” said the 2013 Man of Steel whose youngest boy Henry has joined Leeds Rhinos.

“Chris Chester got in contact and said he wanted to take William to Leigh which was very pleasing for the lad.

“I think it is a good move for him to be coached by Adrian Lam and to be around the players they have there and with the success the club has enjoyed.

“It is about picking up experience but also training consistently with first team players and internationals who can hopefully make him a better player.

“The plan down the line, I think, will be to send him on loan to a Championship or League One club so he is playing against men each week to try and progress his development.

“Other than that he will play in the reserves, train as hard as he can, learn the game a bit more and see how things progress from there.”

Brough junior, who travels to training with Darnell McIntosh and Brad Martin, can cover various positions including centre or half back.

Brough senior retired, at the age of 38, in 2021 doing so as rugby league’s fifth highest all-time points scorer.

Despite his vast experience the former Hull, Castleford, Wakefield and Huddersfield half back is sparing on advice for his boys.

“I don’t try to say too much because it is about their journeys. I let both lads do their own thing.

“If they ask me, I tell them they have got to be on time for training and give 100 percent. Generally, the players who train how they play are the better players in my opinion.

“So, there is no pressure from me. I just hope William can enjoy himself.

“Hopefully, if he signs another deal after this and goes on to play first team I will be pleased for him.”

Brough finished his career with Bradford Bulls and has been out of the game ever since. He currently works delivering meat for a mate and recently started coaching at Huddersfield rugby union club.

“People say they don’t miss the rugby but they miss the camaraderie. And that’s the main bit I miss,” he admitted.

“I did go for a scholarship coaching job at Hull KR but they said I wasn’t experienced enough!

*Leigh will open Magic Weekend 2025 when the event returns to St James’ Park, Newcastle next May.

Leopards, whose fans have been allocated the Gallowgate end of the ground, will face Catalans Dragons on Saturday, May 3 with kick-off to be confirmed.

The remaining games on that day are: Hull KR v Salford Red Devils, St Helens v Leeds. On May 4, Huddersfield Giants take on Hull FC, Wigan play Warrington before the two-day event concludes with Castleford against newly promoted Wakefield.

Leopards whitewashed Salford 26-0 at Elland Road in this year’s event having beaten Wakefield 30-4 at St James’ Park in 2023.

*York City Knights have signed Jacob Gannon on a permanent deal after the Leigh forward enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.