Leigh coach Neil Jukes reacts to win over Salford
Saturday 13 August 2016 19:09, UK
Leigh coach Neil Jukes is refusing to get carried away despite his side's stunning 32-26 win over Salford on Saturday.
The Centurions stretched their winning run to 15 matches as they became the first Championship side this season to beat a top-flight outfit in the First Utility Qualifiers Super 8s.
"We are not counting any chickens and the job's not done yet," said Jukes. "We must get two points at Featherstone next week or else this win means little.
"But we are in a good place and have learned after last season's disappointments in the play-offs."
Leigh led 20-10 at half time with Reni Maitua and Cory Paterson, two of five former Salford players in their line-up, crossing alongside Gregg McNally.
Salford replied with a scorching Mason Caton-Brown solo effort and Niall Evalds try, and clawed it back to 20-16 in the second half when Robert Lui crossed.
But tries from man-of-the-match Adam Higson and Matty Dawson sealed the win despite late touchdowns for Salford from Ben Murdoch-Masila and Caton-Brown's second - taking his tally to nine in four games.
"We spoke all week about attacking the game from the start and not hanging about and we did just that," Jukes added.
"We completed very well in the first half and there was a big effort on our right edge from Mitch Brown and Adam Higson.
"WIllie Tonga had his best game for us and Mickey Higham had plenty of energy in his two spells.
"Salford's edges are as good as any in Super League but we were ready for them."
Salford had four tries disallowed by video referee James Child, but coach Ian Watson had no excuses regarding the result.
"If any had been given they would have still masked a poor performance," said Watson. "It was nothing like us and the first half was very poor.
"It wasn't good enough and this defeat puts us on the back foot after beating Huddersfield.
"Leigh looked the better team in the first half and their forwards rolled over us, but I am confident with this group of players but we have to be at our best every week in this comp."
