Leigh and Batley set for Championship kick-off

Leigh Centurions coach Paul Rowley faces a major reshuffle ahead of his side’s first Co-operative Championship fixture of 2012.

Leigh are without suspended duo Stuart Littler and Tommy Gallagher, while Tom Spencer and Matt Russell are also expected to be unavailable.

However, Rob Parker, Tommy Goulden and Sam Hopkins are set to return.

Rowley said: “These last few weeks have been about rebuilding the faith. We had to prove ourselves and regain the public’s belief and support, and I think we’ve done that.

“Now we’re coming up against the form team of the league. We couldn’t have asked for a tougher start.

“Batley got a great result against Featherstone. Any team that John Kear coaches always has confidence, and they do the basics very well.”

Batley Bulldogs are set to be without Daley Williams (back) and Chris Buttery (knee).

Coach John Kear has guided his team to four wins out of four in the Northern Rail Cup, including last week’s 34-22 triumph at Featherstone Rovers.

Kear said: “It’s done us the world of good, because there’s a growing sense of belief and confidence within the camp.

“What we’ve got to do now is make sure that we don’t fall in love with ourselves, and instead realise that the results we’ve had so far have been based on plenty of hard work and commitment.”