Junior Sa’u back for Leigh but duo face lengthy lay-off

Drew Darbyshire

Leigh's Junior Sa'u is set to make his first appearance of the season on Friday

Leigh centre Junior Sa’u is set to make his first appearance of the season this weekend – but the Centurions have been dealt a double injury blow.

The former New Zealand and Samoa international has yet to play for Leigh in their return to Super League due to injury – but he is set to make his comeback as the Centurions host reigning champions St Helens on Friday night.

On what Sa’u will bring to the team on his return, Leigh coach John Duffy replied: “Energy and a bit of leadership and hopefully he will put himself about a bit as well.”

Centre Keanan Brand is facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines though after picking up a knee injury in their defeat to Salford last time out.

Joe Mellor, an off-season signing at Leigh, has been ruled out for four to six weeks after tearing his hamstring.

The Centurions lost winger Lewis Tierney in the warm-up at Salford last week and utility back Craig Mullen played on in the second half with an ankle injury, so he is a doubt for Friday’s game against Saints.

Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.