The Leigh Centurions have officially been promoted to the Betfred Super League for the 2021 season.

John Duffy’s men most recently featured in the Super League in 2017, and have now been promoted to the top-flight a total of three times throughout the Super League era.

Scotland International James Bell represented the Bravehearts at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and will be joining the Leigh Centurions in 2021 from Toulouse Olympique.

The forward is over the moon after hearing the news that Leigh will be in the Super League next season.

“I am super excited for the club and grateful for such a huge opportunity,” Bell told Everything Rugby League.

It is safe to say that Bell and the Leigh Centurions players are ecstatic about the news, but how about those playing for the sides who missed out on promotion?

Bradford Bulls scrum-half Jordan Lilley has taken the news in his stride, giving credit to the Centurions and recognising the positives of playing in the Championship next season.

“Firstly, congratulations to Leigh on their promotion,” said Lilley

“Obviously disappointed that it wasn’t us as I know all the players and staffs goals are to be in the top flight but it wasn’t to be so now our focus goes on the coming year in the championship, which is set to be an incredibly exciting competition. Some great teams and strong squads to make every game very competitive.”

🔴⚪️ The Leigh Centurions retail outlet will be operating extended hours in the run-up to Christmas.#superleagueready pic.twitter.com/l5iJMQU5Us

— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) December 17, 2020

Over at Toulouse Olympique Jy Hitchcox is also taking the news as well as he can and understands that although his side has missed out on promotion this time around, they are more than capable of getting the job done on the field in 2021.

“I guess you could have made a case for any of the teams to go up, Leigh got the nod so good luck to them,” Hitchcox stated.

“Toulouse is still committed to the Super League regardless if it was today or in 11 months, we stay ready.”

Next season is going to be big, with the Leigh Centurions back in the Super League and the Championship as strong and unpredictable as it’s ever been.