THE hard work started last night for Leigh Centurions as new coach Ian Millward took control of his first pre-season training session. Millward met the Hilton Park playing staff for the first time as the build-up to the new season gets into full swing.

And one of his first decisions has been to appoint Norman Turley as his assistant for next season. Turley was Leigh's caretaker coach for the second half of last season after Keith Latham stood down.

Millward has had a long meeting with Turley which he describes as "invaluable" and adds that he is looking forward to having him on board. Millward has also appointed Kevin Prescott as strength coach. Leigh will also operate next season without an Alliance side.

"We will only be running first grade and Academy sides next season," Millward confirmed.

"I see no point in having a reserve grade with players in it that are not going to get first grade games. We have to look to fast-track the younger players from Academy to first grade because they are the lifeblood of the club.

"Others can go back to their amateur clubs and continue their development there, when we can monitor their progress and perhaps look at them again later on."

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