Centurions v Broncos: Super 8s Qualifiers Preview

Leigh get their Qualifiers campaign underway against London Broncos at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday evening.

The Centurions had a troubled year last season in the Qualifiers, winning just one of their seven matches to finish bottom of the table, but after an impressive season are once more favourites to reach the Million Pound Game - and with it a one-off shot at Super League.

Mitch Brown is included in the squad following his arrival in the UK last week and the former Cronulla Sharks player could make his club debut and an immediate impact.  

Leigh head coach Neil Jukes, who was assistant to Paul Rowley 12 months ago, believes  his side are better prepared this time around but concedes that the task is tougher.

"This year we got our injuries out of the way and rotated our squad and coming out of the Challenge Cup early could be a good thing," Jukes said. "We are in a lot better state but, with the teams that are in there, the challenge is going to be as difficult, if not more difficult.

"We'll be very disappointed not to get to the Million Pound Game but a lot of other teams will as well."

Api Pewhairangi will look to continue his form in the Super 8s Qualifiers

The Broncos have Jack Bussey, Ben Hellewell, Scott Leatherbarrow, Mark Offerdahl and Jamie Thackray back after sitting out of their win over Halifax a fortnight ago, with youngsters Callum Bustin and Sadiq Adebiyi among those making way for the experienced men.

Andrew Henderson, the Broncos' head coach, is aware of the challenge facing his side as he highlighted announcing his 19 man squad on the club's official website.

 "It's a big first Super 8s game for us. Leigh have been by far the best team in the Championship this season and have really challenged us in both games we have played against them," said Henderson.

"We appreciate they are in good form at present and have an excellent playing roster at their disposal.

"However this is a different competition now and what matters is this team delivering what is necessary on Saturday to earn a result.

"It's a tough start, no doubt, but I'm confident the players will give it their all."

Leigh Centurions: Jamie Acton, Mitch Brown, Matty Dawson, Josh Drinkwater, Harrison Hansen, Micky Higham, Adam Higson, Gareth Hock, Sam Hopkins, Reni Maitua, Gregg McNally, Fuifui Moimoi, Cory Paterson, Ben Reynolds, Martyn Ridyard, Lee Smith, Danny Tickle, Dayne Weston, Greg Worthington

London Broncos: Andy Ackers, Eddie Battye, Jack Bussey, James Cunningham, Matt Garside, Daniel Harrison, Ben Hellewell, Mark Ioane, Elliot Kear, Scott Leatherbarrow, Iliess Macani, Jon Magrin, Mark Offerdahl, Api Pewhairangi, Jamie Soward, Nick Slyney, Jamie Thackray, Alex Walker, Rhys Williams