By Matt Lawton
June 21 2003

The game may have been slightly overshadowed by Leigh's signing of Tommy Martyn but the significance of this encounter between National League One's top two teams shouldn't be played down as it certainly isn't merely a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Arriva Trains Cup Final between the sides. Although most of the media speculation this week has been focused on the possible signing of Tommy Martyn, which was confirmed on Saturday morning at a Hilton Park press conference, Sunday's game is a hugely important game for both sides as they look for the best possible league placing to gain any possible advantage for the end of season play-offs.

Centurions coach Paul Terzis may be delighted at the signing of Tommy Martyn but his latest signing is unavailable for the mammoth encounter and won't be several weeks yet. Terzis certainly has a headache with the Leigh squad being ravaged by injuries.

Terzis' main concern is in the full back position where there is not a single fit player in the squad, with all three players who have considerable experience in the number one shirt out injured. Neil Turley is kept out because of his troublesome back injury, Dave Alstead has a damaged shoulder and Michael Watts has an injured leg. Former Leeds Rhinos flyer Leroy Rivett could fill in at full back although he is also doubtful with a leg injury picked up in the 55-14 victory against Doncaster Dragons a few weeks ago.

Terzis will also have to do some shuffling in the half back positions due to Paul Rowley's broken hand and the release of John Hamilton which means usual scrum half John Duffy will have to move to the hooker position and youngster Lee Sanderson will play at scrum half, with in-form Aussie Pat Weisner remaining in his usual position of stand off.

The match will be preceeded by an Under 18's match between Leigh and a fearsome Leeds Rhinos team along with the usual "Road to Super League" pre-match entertainment for what is expected to be a huge crowd for undoubtedly the game of the day in any of the elite three divisions.