ONE is a rugby league immortal. The other is a footballing journeyman who served four years behind bars.

Together, Arthur Beetson and John Elias are the code's oddest coaching double.

The unlikely pair have joined forces to create a unique brand of street-wise experience they hope will land them the head coaching role with Leigh Centurions.

Beetson and Elias are believed to be preparing to submit a combined bid for the vacant role at Hilton Park following the recent resignation of Darren Shaw.

Leigh are not releasing any details of potential candidates other than to confirm that Neil Kelly and Karl Harrison are among the contenders. By last weekend there were eight applications.

The deadline for applications closed yesterday and now Leigh will draw up a short list, conduct interviews and hope to be in a position to name their new head coach by the end of next week.

Kelly was a guest of the club last weekend and watched Leigh's Challenge Cup tie against Warrington from the director's seats.

Chief Executive Allan Rowley confirmed: "We have had quite a bit of interest, including some from overseas.

"We've already spoken to a couple of people informally and we're impressed with the calibre of applicants so far."

Meanwhile, caretaker coach Paul Rowley will continue to prepare the team for this Sunday's National League One home clash with Halifax.