HEATH Cruckshank bids his final farewell to Leigh at the end of the month with one date - April 29, 2001 - ringed in his diary.

That's the day the Centurions and the Eagles clash at the Don Valley Stadium; mate against mate he calls it.

The popular Aussie last week signed a one season contract with NFP rivals Sheffield after the Centurions were forced to release him when the overseas quota was cut from two to one per club.

The big-hitting second rower leaves Hilton Park with something of a heavy heart after two years of back-to-back success to link up with Mark Aston's fledgling Eagles.

"Of course it's huge wrench to leave the club and the town after two magnificent years. But I've trained at Sheffield for the past two weeks and I'm really looking forward to the challenge," he says.

Cruckshank fully understands Leigh's reasoning when it was he and not fellow Aussie Adam Bristow that was cut from the quota. "It was the best move for the club and I accept that," he says. "Adam comes off quota in November 2001 and that will allow Leigh to sign up another overseas player if they want one.

"I was expecting the worst when the Rugby League cut the quota from two to one. I then had to start looking at other options or I'd have to go back to Australia.

"Barrow came in with an interesting offer but in order to go up there they'd have had to get Rod Maybon off their quota. They couldn't do that, so it was curtains for me.

"I had another option of going to play in France which was quite appealing but then Sheffield came in and I've not looked back since."

Cruckshank was Ian Millward's first overseas signing and quickly became a cult figure among the Hilton Park faithful.

"I was made to feel right at home from the first day and the town of Leigh and Leigh people will always hold a very special place in my heart," he says. "They've given me a great two years and I hope the lads that are at Hilton Park can clear that final hurdle next season and win the Grand Final for them. The fans are brilliant and deserve a little bit of success."

While Cruckshank hopes to be cheering Leigh on Grand Final glory next July, he'll be trying his hardest to make sure they leave the Don Valley empty handed in April.

"The lads at Leigh are starting to wind me up already about that game. It should be pretty warm out on the field when we meet up again..."