LEIGH Centurions, already wilting under a crippling casualty list, have been dealt another injury hammer blow.

Classy centre Andy Fairclough, the Centurions' second leading try scorer with five, will be out for at least six weeks with a stress fracture of the shin.

Fairclough becomes Leigh's fourth long-term casualty with the season only a month old.

And things might get worse before they get better with Aussie second rower Matt Nixon suffering suspected cartilage damage.

The news of Fairclough's injury could not have come at a worst time for coach Keith Latham with his side still looking for their first league win after so far drawing five blanks.

"It's another massive blow to lose a player of Andy's stature," Latham admits.

"He's been one of our most consistent performers this season. The lad's absolutely gutted."

Fairclough, who has been ordered to rest, joins Safraz Patel, Tau Liku and Steve Driscoll in the stands. Patel has just undergone shoulder reconstruction surgery, Liku an operation to repair a broken arm while Driscoll is out for three months with a fractured ankle.

The only good news for Latham has been David Hill's full recovery from a dislocated shoulder and he could be rushed back into first team at action as Fairclough's replacement at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday.

Skipper Tim Street and on loan Anthony Murray will also be free to take their places in the line-up at New Crown Flatt.

Both were placed on report for suspect tackles in Leigh's latest defeat at Keighley but after viewing the video evidence, the League's new Controller of Referees', Geoff Berry, has ruled neither has a case to answer and will not face disciplinary action.

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