LEIGH Centurions are hoping the imminent return of new captain Darren Fleary will help kick start their season after a third successive Engage Super League defeat.

Coach Darren Abram has not ruled out another dip into the transfer market but he is currently pinning his hopes on the return of former Leeds and Great Britain prop Fleary for Sunday's trip to Wakefield Wildcats.

Fleary has yet to pull on a Leigh jersey after close season knee surgery.

'Hopefully he will be back this week and that will be a massive boost for us," Abram says.

"Fleary has been absolutely superb since joining us. He's full of advice for the coaching staff and I know he is as disappointed as we are about how we've started the season.

"He is very, very professional which is one of reasons I brought him to the club in the first place."

Abram met some of the Board in the aftermath of the Salford defeat. He stressed that Leigh's Board made it clear to the coaching staff that they were not to blame for the three defeats.

"I have already seen the Board and they are very supportive," Abram added.

With Jason Ferris (knee), Matt Sturm (leg), Rob Jackson (calf) and Ian Knott (calf) all joining the casualty list, bodies are thin on the ground for the game at Wakefield.

Abram says he is always looking to strengthen his squad. "It's only three games in but if there are players out there and funds are available, we will strengthen.

"The players have got to play for their jersey. That's been part of the problem here, we've carried a few people with injuries in pre-season and they are not quite right.

"The intensity levels in training haven't been great because people are carrying injuries."

l Leigh director Derek Beaumont has denied internet-led rumours that fellow director Steve Blakeley is set to leave the club.

He said: "We are all in this together, and Steve is most upset that these rumours have been put about."