LEIGH expect to name their new coach by the middle of next week.

A shortlist of six candidates has been selected from the 16 applicants for the Hilton Park vacancy. Interviews will start next Monday with the club hoping to make an announcement by Thursday.

Two applicants that have been shortlisted are Clive Griffiths, currently on the Lions tour of New Zealand, and former Wigan, Salford and Great Britain star Steve Hampson.

The four other names are being kept top secret with the candidates requesting confidentiality. "The response has been extremely encouraging," says Leigh chairman Mick Higgins.

"I know that any one of the shortlisted applicants would do a good job.

"We need a coach with good man management skills who can work with the players we have and who can attract other players to the club."

Meanwhile, Leigh have had no firm enquiries for Tongan centre Jimmy Veikoso who was listed at £45,000 last week after being unable to agree a new contract.

Promoted Swinton Lions have been linked with the Tongan World Cup star but so far have not made any official move.

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