ANDY Pucill, one of Leigh Centurions' most consistent performers over the last two years, will be with the club for the 1999 season despite being given the chance to leave. Prop Pucill was one of two players coach Ian Millward planned to release from his senior squad as he finalises his plans for the new Division One campaign.

Pucill, now 31, has been a firm favourite at Hilton Park since his move from Huddersfield two years ago but Millward gave him the chance to the leave as the competition for front row places hots up.

Explained coach Millward: "I've painted as honest a picture as a could for Andy by telling him he was likely to find his first team chances limited because we are so well blessed with front rowers. "We've got Tim Street, Andy Grundy, Dave Whittle, Tau Liku as well as himself all in contention for front row spots, so I felt it only fair to give him the chance to move on.

"But I was surprised when Andy told me he was enjoying things so much that he wanted to stay on and fight for his place in the senior side. I take my hat off to him that he's prepared to take up the challenge.

"If he wants to stay on board, I'm happy to have him with us." But one player leaving Hilton Park will be Aussie backrower Steve Garces who made 27 first grade appearances last season.

"It's a similar situation with Steve. We're going to be top heavy with back rowers. On behalf of the club I'd like to thank him for his efforts."

All Leigh's senior squad has now re-signed for next season with teenager Craig Wingfield and hooker Nick Jenkins agreeing terms.

Eighteen-years-old back rower Wingfield is the younger brother of goal-kicking winger Paul while Aussie Jenkins is likely to get first shot at making the hooking role his own. Meanwhile, Leigh should sail through to the fourth round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup after being paired with one of the weakest amateur teams left in the competition.

The Centurions will meet Humberside team Norland Sharks at Hilton Park on January 31.

The Sharks are midtable in the White Rose League but they have shown some form of late by reaching the Yorkshire Cup final where they lost to Townville 5-4.

Centurions coach Ian Millward says: "It's the sort of tie we should be looking to win well. We shouldn't be worried about amateur opposition and will be looking to get through without too much trouble." Swinton Lions should also have little trouble in progressing to the next round which sees the entrance of Super League Club. The Lions take on National Conference Division One side Moldgreen of Huddersfield at Gigg Lane.

Local amateur side Leigh Miners Rangers, with up to six ex-Leigh professionals in their side, will fancy their chances of an upset when they travel to Headingley to take on Bramley.

The Miners, who have just recruited Chris Wilkinson from the town's pro club, have run into top form lately, winning their last five matches.

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