LEIGH'S biggest away following for almost ten years will be mobilised on Sunday.

Close on 1,000 fans are expected to make the trans-Pennine trip to Hull KR for the Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth round clash.

Over 500 supporters alone will make the trip on nine free coaches laid on by the club. and with others organising their own trips or travelling independently, the following could reach four figures.

"The interest in the tie has been phenomenal " says Leigh chairman Mick Higgins. "The public has responded magnificently. Local businesses have come forward with sponsorships and the size of the travelling support is an indication of just how badly the town wants a successful side.

"We've come out of a huge financial black hole in the last three years and now we've got a great opportunity to take this club forward.

Coach Ian Lucas knows Hull KR will be a tough proposition.

"Since they beat us at home in November we've strung ten straight wins together and in the last month or so our form has been first class. But Rovers too have come good to win the title in style. But our lads are confident they can pull it off," he says. Leigh's team is expected to be: O'Loughlin, Burgess, Hadcroft, Veikoso, Cheetham, Ingram, Wilkinson, Liku, Bannister, Stazicker, Daniel, Perigo, Hill. Subs Davies, Cain.

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