John Duffy devastated but proud after Leigh defeat

James Gordon

John Duffy Head Coach of Leigh Centurions on his feet up in the stand as he watches the game

Leigh coach John Duffy had mixed emotions after watching his side go down 20-18 to Wigan on Super League’s opening night.

The Centurions led 18-0 in the first half after making a dream start to life back in the top flight.

But two try doubles, on the stroke of half-time and shortly after the hour mark, turned the game in Wigan’s favour.

REPORT: Leigh 18-20 Wigan: Brave newcomers denied by Wigan comeback

Duffy told Sky Sports: “It got a bit too quick for us. We didn’t build pressure enough when we had the ball in the second half and got burned by a champion team.

“We’re all devastated in there but I’m proud of the players and their efforts.

“We’ve got to learn from it and move on, and get ready for Warrington next week.”

Leigh are favourites for relegation in 2021, and will be desperate to prove their critics wrong – especially as in their previous two stints in Super League they have gone straight back down at the first time of asking.

Duffy added: “We can get better and we will get better.

“We’ve still got to get some senior players back, like Ben Flower and Tyrone McCarthy in the next few weeks, and they’ll add value to us.”


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