"I have left the number 6 and the number 17 shirts vacant at the moment because I am still hopeful we will be able to sign players to take on board those numbers and those roles in the next couple weeks.
"But until those shirts are occupied it is up to the rest of the squad members to stake their claims to be first choice in any position for which they feel they can do the job."


Stuart Donlan takes the number one shirt, with Ian Watson occupying number 7, and forwards like Andy Hobson at 8, Dave McConnell at 9 and new signing Dave Armitstead at 11.
"I have allocated the numbers as I would pick my team at present," explained Kelly. "And that would mean, for instance, that Dave McConnell would start ahead of Dean Hatton at hooker at this moment in time.
"But I must stress that these are numbers only and no one has claimed any place.


"Every player in the squad is playing for their place and I expect there will be changes in my thinking on who is best in any position at certain times throughout the season as form dictates. It is a squad and I have had to allocate numbers as per the new league ruling and that is what I have done."
The squad indicates that Dave Alstead and Nicky Stanton are lined up to be the first choice wingers, with Steve Maden switching to centre.
"I will give Steve a run at centre," said Neil. "That is where I see him playing this season.


"I will also start at stand off with Martyn Ridyard. This is his opportunity to stamp his authority on the team and the position.
"Alstead, Maden, Chris Hill and James Taylor have all undergone shoulder operations this close season, so they will not be available for the Salford game, but I am optimistic they will be fit for the start of the season."


In the meantime the club is in the latter stages of transferring to the Leigh Sports Village and Kelly and his coaching staff are working hard to ensure the transition does not impact adversely on the training programme.
Looking ahead, executive boxes have already sold out for Leigh's first game at the new stadium against Salford City Reds on December 28.
But match day hospitality is still available in the Great Room as are regular match tickets although they are all selling fast.


Anybody wishing to book, or to enquire for corporate boxes for the Wigan Warriors game on February 1 should contact commercial manager David Bradshaw on 07711 833441. For more information on season tickets please call 01942 206727.