Castleford Tigers have allowed stand-off Ryan Brierley to join Co-operative Championship side Leigh Centurions on a dual-contract.

The 19-year-old will train and be eligible for all Leigh games, whilst also representing the Castleford Under-20 team when he is not required by the Centurions.

Head of youth development Steve Gill said: "The next step for Ryan is to taste championship rugby and we have been in discussions with Leigh for a while about him playing there. This allows us to monitor Ryan at a higher level with a view to making a decision on him for the year after.

"With the quality of half-backs we have pushing through to play U20s in Ben Johnston, Tom Carroll, Zack Snelgrove, Ben Reynolds and Connor Land, we feel as a club it is not only the right decision for Ryan, but also the right decision for the development of the younger half-backs at the club.

"To be invited to play in the championship with a club like Leigh is a very high honour and I am sure Ryan will take this opportunity with both hands, and represent both the Castleford Tigers and Leigh Centurions to the best of his ability at all times."