Leroy gets a run

Flying winger Rivett will come into a Leigh backline already bristling with pace as the Centurions look to make it two wins from two starts in the Arriva Trains National Cup.

Rivett, released by Warrington, set the Rugby League world alight in 1999 when he scored four tries in Leeds' Wembley win over London Broncos. Although he has never been able to recapture those heights, Leigh hope that his move to Hilton Park will re-ignite his career.

"Leroy has pace to burn," says Leigh coach Paul Terzis. "His career has stalled a little over the last couple of years but he's got the ability to play at a higher level. We've signed him on a match-to-match basis in the hope that it will benefit us both.

Higher level

"He still wants to play at a higher level. Hopefully we can do that together."

But whether Rivett starts or comes off the bench, Terzis has still to decide.

"I've got a full squad to choose from and I'm still toying with one or two formations in my mind," he said. "But Leroy will feature. He's ineligible for the Challenge Cup the following weeks so it's important we get some game time for him."

Michael Watts and Phil Kendrick who both missed the Challenge Cup win over Locomotiv Moscow last weekend, will return to Sunday's squad.

Leigh received more good news this week when prop Paul Norman returned to full contact training after being out for the best part of a year following a knee reconstruction. "Paul's going well and I expect him to be pushing for a place back in the team within six weeks," says Terzis.

Leigh's visit to Moor Lane - a ground they share with Salford City FC - will not be as easy as it's been in the past few years, the Leigh boss predicts.

"Swinton are improving and under new coach Peter Roe they will be tough to beat. They gave Salford a run for their money a couple of weeks ago before running out of steam," he says.

"They'll have a couple of ex-Leigh players - Andy Leathem and Simon Knox - in their front row and a couple more - Andy Cheetham and Jason Johnson - in the backs; so there'll be a few familiar faces. And don't forget they've got Phil Hassan and Kris Tassell who both played in Super League with Wakefield last season, in the centres.

"They'll be a different proposition this year than in recent seasons."

Good performances at Swinton on Sunday will go a long way towards players forcing themselves into the squad for the following week's Challenge Cup trip to Featherstone Rovers.

Terzis said: "All the players will know that on Sunday they are playing for their Cup places. Not only that, but for the big game against Salford the following week.

"No one is denying that we would have preferred a decent home tie rather than a trip over there. But I expect they'll not exactly be relishing playing an in form Leigh either.

"We know exactly what to expect at Featherstone. They beat us 26-22 at their place last season when they were out of the blocks like lightening. It'll will be more of the same next week, I expect.

"What the tie does give us is an excellent opportunity to win the game and reach the fifth round where our chances of meeting a Super League side will be greatly improved. That's what we want, to test ourselves against the big boys like we've done against Salford, Warrington and Wigan in the last two years.

Meal deal

Featherstone are offering a special Challenge Cup meal deal for Centurions supporters. For just £20 fans will receive a three-course lunch, a stand seating ticket, after-match buffet and entry to the Man-of-the-Match presentation. Bookings to Fred on 01977 600047.

The route to Swinton is: Leave East Lancs Road at the A6/A666 slip road just past the lights at Lancaster Road. Get onto A666 heading back towards Swinton - but turn right at the next lights (Agecroft Road). Follow Agecroft Road down for about a mile (well past the cemetery). Turn right at roundabout at the River Irwell on to Kersal Vale Road. Take the first left (Moor Lane) just past the Cussons factory. The ground is on the right up the hill.