Ryan Brierley is set to quit Leigh Centurions, hours after the resignation of coach Paul Rowley.

TotalRL understands the playmaker has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the club if Rowley ever jumped ship.

If Brierley does leave the Centurions it will be another damaging blow for the club less than a fortnight before the start of the Championship season.

Interest will inevitably be high in the halfback, who has been linked with a number of Super League clubs in the past 12 months. Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils have all been linked with a move for him recently.

If he chooses to remain in the second tier, Bradford Bulls and Sheffield Eagles are seen as viable suitors, with both on the lookout for a new scrum-half. A move to the Bulls would obviously cause a storm given the rivalry between the two clubs.

Brierley has spoken highly of Rowley on numerous occasions in the past and gave him a glowing reference in one of his recent Rugby League World columns.

TotalRL contacted Brierley, however he refused to comment.

//www.totalrl.com/rowley-resigns-as-leigh-head-coach/