BIG-SPENDING rugby union club Sale have denied trying to lure Leigh Centurions' boom full-back Neil Turley to switch codes with the offer of a big-money contract.

Rumours that Turley was the target of a £240,000, four-year deal have been strongly refuted by Sale chief executive Peter Deakin.

While Deakin admits that his club are admirers of Turley who has emerged as the most prolific try-scoring full-back for decades, he says Sale will not be asking him to follow Jason Robinson to Heywood Road.

"There has been no offer from us, nor will there be one," says Deakin.

Turley played a starring role for Lancashire last night as a first half substitute in the Origin game against Yorkshire at Headingley.

An early replacement for London's Dom Peters, Turley, playing on the wing, set up Kris Radlinski with his first touch and then scored himself after a wonderful piece of footwork.

Afterwards Turley said: "It was a great night and a great experience to be playing alongside such fantastic players. I enjoyed every minute of it."

Turley, named as the 'Rugby League World' magazine NFP Player of the Month for May, has now scored 46 tries this season and was the only player from outside Super League to feature in the Origin game.

Centurions' chairman Mike Nolan has also denied any contact with Sale.

"The ink hasn't dried on the two-year contract he's just signed with us. They're not a bad judge of a player, but we've had no contact at all with them.

"It's very flattering for the lad and I'm sure others will be asking about him. The way he's played this year means he's bound to attract interest, but he's very happy here at Leigh.

"Neil will eventually play on the big stage, but we expect that to be with Leigh.