Leon_Pryce

Leon Pryce

Leon Pryce (born 9 October 1981 in Bradford) is a rugby league player who plays for St. Helens RFC and Great Britain. His nickname is the 'Fresh Prince'. He comes from a family of rugby league players; he is the older brother of Wigan Warriors player Karl Pryce, his father and uncle both played the sport at a high level, and he is the cousin of Featherstone Rovers player Waine Pryce.

Bradford Bulls

At age 16, Pryce captained the England schools side. Pryce came through the academy ranks at the Bradford Bulls, after the club signed him from amateur side Queensbury in Bradford. He went on to feature in the Super League Grand Final, playing an influential role off the bench. He scored a try in the 2005 Super League Grand Final and won the Man of the Match award.

Pryce's versatile brand of football has enabled him to be used as a utility at Bradford when not needed at his usual post, on the wing. His quick pace and unpredictability made him a success at Bradford.

England

He made his full debut for England against France in 1999, and has also represented his home county of Yorkshire.

He has been named in the England squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

St Helens

In 2006, Pryce joined St. Helens RFC, after Bradford Bulls did not renew his contract in 2005. One of the key issues in the decision was that he would start at stand off, a position Pryce has long coveted.

Pryce won his first trophy with St Helens in August 2006, defeating Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium.

He went on to win the Challenge Cup again in 2007 when Saints beat Catalan Dragons 30-8 at Wembley Stadium. He was a joint winner of the Lance Todd Trophy along with Paul Wellens.

In 2007, Pryce was voted rugby league's dirtiest player by RL Weekly readers.

He has been named in the Super League Dream Team for the 2008 season.

He played in the 2008 Super League Grand Final defeat to the Leeds Rhinos.

Controversies

"Squeezing" controversy

In July 2007, Pryce was accused of squeezing Sam Burgess's testicles. He was later found guilty of the incident and banned for three matches. He was again found guilty of a similar misconduct, against Bradford forward Andy Lynch on 22 February 2008. However, he escaped a possible eight-match ban as the disciplinary panel ruled the contact "minimal".

2008

In 2008 Leon was charged with Stuart Reardon appeared in court on charges of assault and violence. following an alleged incident at a house in Queensbury, Bradford. They have been charged with using violence to gain entry and assault.