With no game this weekend, that happens to be a tough trip to Whitehaven on June 28 when the Centurions are hopeful that new Aussie signing Joe Williams will at long last be over here and available to play.


Coach Paul Rowley said: "Joe's visa has finally come through. We were at a stage where we were about to say, let's forget about it and move on.
"But the clearance is there now and he should have that in writing and be able to get on board a flight this weekend.
Key
"That would make him available for Whitehaven, and I've already pencilled him in – but that is pencilled, as seeing will be believing at the moment!"


Fans can be forgiven for forgetting who Williams is, but the former 24-year-old South Sydney first grader has a wealth of experience that he can bring to the stand-off berth, and that is key to Rowley's plans for his team.


He said: "We lack knowledge and experience in key positions and we need that to be truly competitive.
"Gateshead showed with a team of players who have Super League and even State of Origin experience, just what playing at the top level can give to a side.
''Even our experienced players have not played at that level for sustained periods and it showed.
"We had a 100 per cent completion rate in the first 15 minutes but couldn't make it count with points. And that catches up on you.
"I have said all along that we are short of strike players and with Mick Nanyn out with a virus and other options denied, we struggled.


"It was a dreadful performance as we dropped off tackles and one we could do with putting behind us quickly.
"But we have a week off and we will have to use that work on areas in which we are falling down.
"Certainly this lack of fixtures doesn't help continuity and that is affecting our game.
"Yet in a couple of weeks we play three games in seven days. One game a week is at least what we should have, what could be simpler than that?


"But having said that, Stuart Donlan picked up a back injury and Dave Armitstead injured his calf and both would be out if we had a game this weekend. We shall be working on them to get them fit for Whitehaven."
The club has also suffered some bad news regarding centre Adam Higson.
Rowley said: "Adam had his plaster cast removed, but the hand hadn't healed sufficiently, and he could be out for another six weeks.
"That's a cruel blow to Adam who was playing really well and grabbing the tries and another reason why we are not firing on all cylinders at present.
"Thankfully Mark Castle made an impressive debut. He did everything we expected, running hard and straight and getting through a lot of work on defence. He will be a good signing for us.

"But overall it was disappointing and we must be better against Whitehaven."

Leigh Centurions U21s will play Whitehaven U21s on Saturday, June 27 at Leigh Miners Welfare, Twiss Lane, ko 2.30pm. Admission is £2 for adults, £1 concessions.