Leigh boosted by return of Jamie Ellis as coach provides injury update

Leigh have been boosted by the return of half-back Jamie Ellis ahead of Monday’s derby against Wigan. 

The 31-year-old, who played for Leigh in 2011, returned to the Centurions from Hull KR ahead of their first season back in Super League.

Ellis suffered a knee injury whilst playing for Leigh in a pre-season friendly against Warrington and has yet to play a competitive game in 2021 – but he has recovered from his injury earlier than expected and is set to play against Wigan on Monday.

Leigh coach John Duffy said: “Jamie Ellis is available this week. He is back two weeks earlier than expected so the medical team are doing a good job.

“Jamie has been in six days a week trying to get himself right for us. We’ve missed him so I’m looking forward to seeing Jamie back.”

Ellis is primarily a half-back but is comfortable playing at hooker, and Duffy hinted that Ellis may not play in the halves on Monday.

Duffy added: “Maybe not. We might use Jamie somewhere else but we’ll decide over the weekend.”

Brendan Elliot and Adam Sidlow are approximately a week away from returning, whilst Joe Mellor and Ben Flower remain sidelined for another couple of weeks with hamstring injuries.

Duffy also confirmed that the club are still actively scouring the transfer market to bring in new faces.

He added: “We’re still looking. There’s not much out there to be honest from speaking to some of the other coaches from other clubs as well. We’ve just got to keep looking and make sure it is the right person to come in.”

Leigh’s round six clash against neighbours Wigan has been pushed back to Monday, when clubs are permitted to fill a quarter of their ground capacity up to a maximum of 4,000 as Covid-19 regulations are eased.

Duffy added: “If you speak to any Leigh fans, this is the game they want to be at. It is great to be able to have it as the first game so it would be great for Leigh.

“I can’t wait for them to get back in and be around us. It is weird having no-one there, so I’m looking forward to seeing them and for new lads who haven’t played in front of them, it will be great for them, and a good occasion.”

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