Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils: Challenge Cup preview

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Ryan Brierley looks ahead to Leigh's Challenge Cup clash against Salford

Gareth Hock has been named in Leigh Centurions’ 19-man squad for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie with Salford Red Devils.

The former Salford forward has been at the centre of a war of words since the sides were drawn against each other, with Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash claiming Hock will be going against an agreement should he play.

However, Leigh insist Hock is available for selection and after seeking legal advice on the matter, they have included him in their squad for Saturday’s fifth round clash, which is live on Sky Sports.

Salford are without a number of key players for the trip to Leigh Sports Village, and have been forced to draft in hooker Wayne Godwin on a four-week loan. The 33-year-old goes straight into Iestyn Harris’ squad.

Leigh are on a 20-game unbeaten run and have conceded just 18 points in their last three home games, and half-back Ryan Brierley says the quarrel over Hock’s eligibility has only added to the hype ahead of Saturday’s clash.

“Gareth Hock will bring people through the door, there’s no doubt about it,” said Brierley, who is a Salford fan and was linked with the Red Devils last year.

“He’s a controversial character but one that we love already. I hope he plays and I’m sure the finer details will be sewn up this week. Hopefully we’ll see him on the pitch on Saturday.”

He added: “It’s going to be a tough test. I don’t think we’re expecting to win. We’re just concentrating on performing well. It’s the Challenge Cup so you just never know.”

Leigh Centurions: Greg McNally, Tom Spencer, Tom Armstrong, Liam Kay, Martyn Ridyard, Ryan Brierley, Greg Worthington, Bob Beswick, Oliver Wilkes, Sam Barlow, Gareth Hock, Jonathan Pownall, Michael Platt, Tommy Goulden, Martin Aspinwall, Sam Hopkins, Lewis Foster, Andrew Dixon, Jake Emmitt.

Salford Red Devils: Kevin Locke, Ben Jones-Bishop, Junior Sa'u, Greg Johnson, Michael Dobson, Adrian Morley, Lama Tasi, Harrison Hansen, Theo Fages, Darrell Griffin, Scott Taylor, Mason Caton-Brown, Niall Evalds, Jason Walton, Liam Hood, Josh Griffin, Carl Forster, Ryan Lannon, Wayne Godwin.

Watch Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday from 2.30pm