JON Roper's season isn't over writes Mike Hulme

There were real fears that Leigh Centurions former Great Britain international centre would be out until next season when he was stretchered off towards the end of last Sunday's victory over Hull KR.

An initial diagnosis of a snapped medial knee ligament proved premature and the influential centre could be back in 2-6 weeks.

A relieved coach Paul Terzis said: "It's good news that Jon's injury isn't quite as serious as we first thought. There is still some ligament damage but the medics are confident that he'll be fit to play later in the season.

"Just how long he'll be missing is still the 64 dollar question. It could be as little as two weeks but as long as six, it all depends on how the knee settles down. But the good news long term is that Jon will be ready for the play-offs.

Another knee injury casualty, scrum-half Willie Swann, is booked in for surgery on August 14 but should be back playing before the end of the month.

Leigh picked up no further injuries in the crucial win over Hull KR and head off to Workington this Sunday with a strong squad which is boosted by the return of hooker John Hamilton who has fully recovered from a broken hand.

Even though Town have slipped down the table after a run of four successive defeats, Terzis is expecting a tough time at Derwent Park.

"Realistically this is their Grand Final. If they want to make the top nine for the play-offs, they're going to have to start winning games," says the Hilton Park coach.

Aware of what to expect

"They will have targeted the game against us as a 'must win', so we've got to be fully aware of what to expect.

"But we've had three tough games in a row and that's probably what we needed. We've won all three and now we're determined to make it four."