NEW Hilton Park loan hero Dave Whittle has been sensationally recalled by Wigan just a week after the Warriors agreed to allow the player to stay for a second month.

Second rower Whittle has earned rave reviews in his five games for the Centurions, alerting John Monie and his Central Park coaching team.

Now they want a second look at Whittle and he could even figure in the Warriors squad for Friday's Super League showdown with Leeds at Headingley.

But Leigh, while bitterly disappointed they couldn't hang onto the bustling 21-year-old, haven't come out of the deal completely empty handed.

By way of compensation Wigan have allowed highly-rated back rower Steve Barrow to take Whittle's place at Hilton Park.

"Dave's form with us has been sensational. He's won two man of the match awards in three home games and has become a favourite in the dressing room and on the terraces," acknowledged Leigh chairman Mick Higgins.

"But the plain facts are simple. We haven't got the financial clout to buy him outright and while he was a loan player he could be recalled by Wigan at any time. They hold the whip hand.

"But Wigan have been very fair to us in allowing us to take such a valued player as Steve Barrow. Hopefully he will make the same impact that Dave Whittle has made." Whittle and Barrow both played in the Warriors Alliance side beaten 33-24 at St Helens last night, with the necessary paperwork being completed today.

Barrow will train at Hilton Park tonight and is earmarked for a pack debut at top of the table Wakefield on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Centurions fans have declared war on rugby league top brass.

Supporters concerned at the uneven distribution of News Corporation money to Division One clubs, have started to lobby League HQ in Leeds.

Protest letters were handed out during Sunday's home game with Hunslet with fans urged to sign them and forward to the game's Chief Executive, Neil Tunnicliffe.

Fans say: "As a supporter of Leigh RL Club I want to register my concern and disappointment at the uneven distribution of 'Murdoch' money to Division One clubs.

"Leigh and Widnes receive just £90,000 while the rest are given £390,000. This is discrimination.

"It is poor reward for Leigh fans who worked tirelessly with the current management to help overcome the financial problems facing the club in 1994. Through supporters' efforts, £50,000 was raised in 12 weeks to secure the ground lease.

"We will continue to support our club. All we ask is to be treated fairly."

The protest letter goes on to ask the League to reconsider the allocation of funds and make Division One a genuine competition.

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