LEIGH Centurions chairman Mike Nolan has issued a firm 'hands off' warning to Halifax Blue Sox who are chasing two of Hilton Park's brightest young stars.

Leigh claim that hooker Mick Higham and full-back Stuart Donlan have been approached about possible moves to The New Shay.

But both are under contract with the Centurions and that has angered the Leigh boss.

Although Nolan will not make a formal complaint to the League, he has warned the Super League side of the 'consequences' of pursuing the matter.

Donlan and Higham are two of the hottest properties outside Super League. Donlan was Northern Ford Premiership Young Player of the Year in 1999 and Higham was third in the same poll this season.

"It does appear that Halifax have spoken to the players or their agent. We have not received a written transfer request from either player so Halifax are on very dodgy ground," Nolan revealed.

It is also understood that when Halifax did make an enquiry they offered Leigh three players in an exchange deal, two of whom were French forward Gael Tallec and another outside back Phil Hassan.

"I want to make it plain to everyone that we want Donlan and Higham to stay at Leigh and fulfil their ambitions with us," adds Nolan. "If either or both players hand in transfer requests, that's a different matter. But they haven't.

"Halifax are currently operating under a CVA (Creditors' Voluntary Agreement) and don't have any money to spend on transfers. I've advised them not to go shopping without it.

"I feel that Halifax have acted totally unprofessionally. We will operate all aspects of our club in a thoroughly professional manner within the by-laws of the RFL. If other clubs or representatives choose to work differently then they must be prepared to face the consequences.

"We will not be making a formal complaint at this time unless there are future developments."