Former Widnes and Wales Coach, Neil Kelly was being tipped as favourite for the post after he was seen in the Leigh Directors box for last Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup clash with Warrington Wolves.
But the Leigh club and Kelly were remaining tight lipped, with Leigh Chief Executive, Allan Rowley stating that although they had interviewed some applicants , the closing date was not until the 25th April, and they would be considering all those who had applied before coming to a conclusion and making their appointment known.
" We have spoken to a couple of applicants already and been impressed with the calibre of the applicants." He said, " We will try to speak to as many as possible , because we want to make sure we make the right decision."
Leigh have already met with former Salford City Reds Coach, Karl Harrison, but it is an open secrete that Chairman, Alan Thomas would deeply love his friend and former coach, Ian Millward to apply. As yet the former Saints and Leigh boss has not forwarded an application and is thought unlikely to do so, despite his obvious affection for the town.
Australian duo Artie Beetson and John Elias are also reported to have applied, and would certainly be strong contenders. Beetson is an former Australia Test Forward who was named in their Team of the Century, and who has coached Queensland to State of Origin glory. Elias coached Lebanon in the World Cup. And former Wigan boss John Monie has also been mentioned in despatches.
But with the added expense of importing not one but two Australians , it looks likely that a British coach would take over at Hilton Park, and Kelly and Harrison look set to go head to head at present.
Meanwhile Leigh prepare for Sunday's Cooperative League National One clash with Halifax at Hilton Park, with reportedly no more injury scares in the testing clash with Warrington.
" I think we came through unscathed." Stated Caretaker Coach, Paul Rowley. " A few bumps and bruises but hopefully that was all.
" I am really proud of my players and they way they fronted up. Warrington are a big money side, a good side with world class players, yet we gave them a heck of a game.
" We came into this game to win, not to make the numbers up. In the second half things went our way and we had continued pressure, but just couldn't get the break through we wanted. But there are so many positives we can take from this performance. Our completion rate was high in both halves, 70% in the first and 80% in the second. That is Super League standard. I asked for a big team effort and got it.
" That has to help with our franchise bid. We took them on in every position, but in the end their speed of the play the ball , and quick hands proved our undoing. But we had our chance and had we taken them , who knows.
" It was a terrific effort, a terrific game and that will have set us up well for Halifax. They had a bruising clash too against Huddersfield, so it will be a case of which side comes out of that quickest that will have an edge on Sunday."