LEIGH Centurions finally get down to business this weekend.

Darren Abram's re-vamped squad will kick off their 2004 campaign with a tricky visit to revitalised Swinton in the opening exchange of the Arriva Trains Cup on Sunday.

The newlook Centurions will want to hit the ground running and put down a marker to the rest of National League One that they will again be genuine contenders to win a Super League place.

The Arriva Trains Cup pool games will take place until the National League One season starts on Easter Monday. The knockout stages of the Arriva Trains will be staged in mid-season.

As well as Swinton, Leigh's group includes Chorley Lynx and Oldham with two cross-group games against Halifax. The top five from each group automatically progress to the quarter-finals.

Leigh reached the final last year before going down to Salford. They are keen to go one better this time and will use the tournament as a spring board to bigger and better things.

Head coach Abram says: "We're taking this competition very seriously and will be giving it our best shot to bring some silverware home to Hilton Park.

"The knockout stages of the tournament are very good experience for the final stages of the National League play-offs. Handling pressure in knockout situations stands you in good stead for the end of season battle for a place in Super League."

Looking ahead to Sunday's game, Abram says: "My players are chomping at the bit to get stuck in. The mood in the camp is brilliant at the moment. I just hope the weather doesn't play a part, that would be terribly disappointing."

Abram will chose his final 17 from a 20-man squad. "Apart from the long term injuries, everyone is in contention," he said. Dave Bradbury has recovered from a knee injury picked up in last week's friendly against Widnes U21s.

Vice-skipper Paul Rowley hopes to get the all-clear from a specialist this week after close season shoulder surgery but won't be risked at Swinton. Paul Norman and Willie Swann are also out injured.

New Swinton coach Paul Kidd has recruited heavily in the off-season and Leigh will face a number of familiar faces such as Tau Liku, Chris Irwin, Craig Wingfield, Ian Hodson and Saf Patel.

Leigh's on loan winger Shane Irabor could be back in action inside three weeks after he was stretchered off against Widnes U21s. Initial fears of a broken ankle were unfounded but he has ligament damage.

"He's made good progress this week," says Abram. "Hopefully he's well on the way to a full recovery."