Northern Rail Cup Preview: Leigh Centurions v Whitehaven (Sun)

Leigh Centurions coach Paul Rowley is expecting a big improvement in his side’s focus in Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup quarter final.

Rowley said: “We weren’t far off a win last week, but our attention to detail was lacking and we’re a club where we’ve got to be playing at our best, and every little detail has to be right, for us to get the best out of ourselves.

“But we’re back at home this week, which is great, and we know our crowd will get behind us.”

Leigh have suffered a major blow with the news that Craig Briscoe is facing up to six weeks out with an ankle ligament problem.

On Whitehaven, Rowley added: “They’ve been good this year and they’ve steadily progressed.

“They’ve invested heavily in their recruitment and the local lads bring the enthusiasm and passion into the team.”

Whitehaven coach Dave Woods has three players – Jamie Rooney, Chris Fleming and James Cameron – struggling with hamstring injuries, while Rhys Clarke (concussion) faces a late fitness test.

Woods said: “We weren’t good last week, but we’ve got to forget about that and just concentrate on getting stuck in against Leigh.”