LEIGH Centurions today completed a double transfer raid on Division One rivals Widnes Vikings.

The first division strugglers have completed a permanent deal that takes Anthony Murray and Phil Kendrick to Hilton Park.

Leigh-raised Murray has given two impressive displays while on loan from the Vikings while centre or stand-off Kendrick has been a long-time target of coach Keith Latham.

And Leigh are hoping to rush through another deal today that would land a threequarter with Super League experience.

A delighted Latham said: "Anyone who has seen young Murray's performances in the last two games knows we've got a quality player.

"He's never really been given a chance at the other clubs he's been with, but he's delighted to have joined his hometown team and is busting a gut to prove one or two people wrong." Having lost centre Andy Fairclough for six week with a shin stress fracture, Latham sees Kendrick as an ideal replacement.

"He's still only 21 after a top class youth career with Wigan side Rose Bridge. His career's lost its way a little over the last year or so, but I know what he's capable of. He's another good signing for us."

Murray, whose two games so far have mainly been at loose-forward, is expected to fill Leigh's problem stand-off position for Sunday's trip to Dewsbury Rams.

He could form a completely new half-back partnership with the experienced Chris Wilkinson recalled to the squad against one of his former clubs after a four-match absence.

Latham will finalise his line-up after tonight's training session but has indicated that David Hill, fit again after dislocating a shoulder pre-season, will fill the vacancy created by Fairclough's absence. Kendrick is likely to be one of the substitutes.

Leigh will again be without key second rower Matt Nixon for the trip to New Crown Flatt. The Aussie sees a specialist today in a bid to get to the bottom of the knee injury that has kept him out for two weeks.

Latham's squad is: Donlan, Kay, Ingram, Hadcroft, Harthill, Kendrick, Bowker, O'Loughlin, Murray, Hilton, Wilkinson, Street, Jenkins, Hudspith, Pucill, Costello, Colin Smith, Dave Smith, Garces, Geritas.

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