Championship Preview: Leigh v Batley

Leigh Centurions coach Paul Rowley is battling a mounting injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Batley Bulldogs.

Rowley said: “We’ve got seven injuries out of a squad of 21 players, and probably four of them are looking at six to eight weeks out.”

Defeat for fifth-placed Leigh would see them fall further adrift of the Kingstone Press Championship’s top four, but Rowley is more concerned with his side’s performance.

He said: “With the three points for a win, it’s quite easy to drift up or drift down the table. The picture can soon change.

“We spoke about performance last week and we performed at Wigan. We want to perform again this week, but with a different score-line.”

Ayden Faal is ruled out for Batley after being diagnosed with whooping cough, but Bulldogs coach John Kear could be boosted the return of Anthony Mullaly and Jacob Fairbank.