It's Leigh's first outing in a competitive game this year and with a Northern Rail Cup Final place giving a club a Super League
application ticket, it is a competition of vital importance to the ambitions Centurions.

And that fact is not lost on head coach Ian Millward.

"I will be fielding my strongest possible team," he said. "We need to make a good start in this competition and I want to continue the progress we've been making in the games with Warrington and Wigan.
Effectively

"I will be without three front-rowers in Ricky Bibey, Steve Nash and Danny Meakin, but we get a boost in having Stuart Donlan available.

"Other than that, everyone should be available, as we didn't pick up too many knocks against Wigan."

Centurions snatched a 16-14 win over what was effectively Warriors' reserve side last Sunday, and although Millward was deeply disappointed that Wigan's side did not contain many players the Super League club had been expected to play, there were positives to be gained for Centurions.

"We had a signed contract that both clubs would field their strongest possible sides barring injury," said Millward. "And clearly Wigan did not do that, which was hugely disappointing for our players and, in particular, the fans, who wanted to see the Super League superstars.

"We would have been under more pressure against better quality
opposition, but that would have helped our players learn and develop.

"The positive side was that it gave us an opportunity to build continuity and gain in confidence, and both are important. Wigan defended well and the game was really competitive. The good thing was we won it and won it well, showing character to come
through.

"Chris Hill, Dave Armitstead and Macgraff Leuluai caught the eye, but it was all about continuing our preparation for next week.

"There was improvement as we started better, and that was something after a good second half against Warrington. But there was plenty we need to work on, and that is what we will be doing."

Now Leigh focus on an Oldham side that has struggled with recruitment and to find a home ahead of the season – a big disappointment for them and ex-Leigh coach Tony Benson, especially after last year reaching the Championship One Grand Final only to lose out to Keighley and miss promotion to the Championship.

But Oldham's problems don't worry Millward.

He said: "I'm focusing on how we play and develop as individuals and as a team. That's where we need to devote our time. If we get that right we'll account for our opposition. It will be tough but we're determined to win."

Steve Nash goes into hospital for an operation on his shoulder next Monday, and could be out three months or more.