LEIGH coach Paul Rowley is looking for his team to “recreate” their performance against Batley Bulldogs when they take on York City Knights.
The Centurions whitewashed Batley Bulldogs 20-0 last weekend in a game Rowley described as “like a cup final experience”.
That saw the club, in fifth place in the table, named as the Kingstone Press Championship team of the week, with captain Rob Parker given the accolade of player of the week and Stuart Littler and Andy Thornley named in the squad of the week.
Cash-flow issues have been reported at the club in the last week with the claim made that players will not be paid win bonuses from now on.
Discussions are under way to provide a solution, with Rowley hoping the issues can be resolved quickly.
But it may prove a distraction ahead Sunday’s trip to Huntington Stadium, with Rowley wary of the Knights consistent home form, which has already seen them down Championship heavyweights Featherstone and run Halifax close this season.
He believes the clash will be a “really tough fixture”.
“It was an emotional day, it was like a Cup final experience,” explained Rowley, last season’s coach of the year after leading Leigh to second in the Championship table, of the Batley battle.
“It wasn’t a significant day to many people, but it will live long in the memory of everyone in that dressing room.
“York have come up with some huge results at home. They’ll be confident and they’ve every right to be. This is a really tough fixture.”
Rowley added: “We are building nicely and are sat comfortably in the league but York are inconsistent.
“They have beaten Featherstone and got other results and it’s never easy going to York.”
Steve Maden is available for Leigh, while Jonny Pownall could also be included in their starting line-up.
Leigh in focus
Last season: second.
Coach: Paul Rowley.
Ground: Leigh Sports Village.
Miles from York: 82.
Nearest train station: Atherton (change at Manchester) 3.9 miles.
The loss of John Duffy, Tommy Gallagher and the retired Ricky Bibey has been more than offset by the recruitment of, among others, Swinton’s Adam Higson, Super League pair Simon Finnigan and Martin Aspinwall, and Halifax favourite Sean Penkywicz – one of the most exciting hookers outside the top tier.
A resurgent outfit surprised some by finishing second last year – earning Paul Rowley the Coach of the Year accolade – but, now with a stronger squad on paper, it would be no surprise if they go better. They need to pick up the pace, however, as they hang on to the coat-tails of the top four.
One to watch: Martin Aspinwall – former Wigan, Huddersfield and Hull back-rower is a Super League player playing in the Championship.
Partnership club: Wigan Warriors.
Prediction: The bookies had Leigh down as Featherstone’s main title challengers, and bookies aren’t often wrong.
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