PHIL Jones could be the surprise inclusion for Leigh Centurions in Sunday's National League One Grand Final showdown against Whitehaven.

Jones, the ex-Wigan RL, Orrell and Rotherham RU half-back, was ruled out for the season after he snapped tendons in his finger in only his second appearance for the Hilton Park club. But his recovery has been far quicker than anticipated, and even though he's not played for a month, Jones has been added to the 20- man squad for the Final.

Leigh coach Darren Abram raised the stakes for Sunday's match with an attack on the decision to award Whitehaven the National League club of the year award at this week's presentation dinner.

The Cumbrians dominated the end-of-season awards, with McCormack named coach of the year and Australian scrum-half Sam Obst chosen as the outstanding player.

"The Leigh club have been outstanding in all grades this year," said Abram.

"When you look at the crowds and the fan base and the amount of tickets sold for big games, that's what I think you have got to look at for the club of the year.

"I expected Bobbie Goulding to pick up the coaching award for what he did at Rochdale or even Gary Price after the start he had with Featherstone," said the Leigh coach.