Undefeated Leigh face the Dragons
Leigh Centurions coach Ian Millward says his side have it all to do as they look ahead to a Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round clash with in-form French club Catalan Dragons on Friday (8.00pm).
Millward has led his side to a so far undefeated season with Leigh but he says the Dragons, who are riding high in Engage Super League, pose an entirely different threat.
“Anyone who beats Wigan and Warrington in the league are a side to be reckoned with,” said Millward. “Those two are the favourites for the competition and I believe that Catalan will finish in the top eight this season so they’ll be a massive test for us.
“They’re a very physical side and we know it’s going to be a huge game but if we can perform we have every chance of getting the result that we want.
“We’ve got to concentrate on our game and ensure we do what we do well because that’s what’s been working for us this season and I’ll also be making sure that the players know what to expect from them so we don’t get any surprises or shocks on game day.”
Leigh have been in a great run of form so far this season and currently sit top of the Co-operative Championship whilst also awaiting a Northern Rail Cup semi-final clash with Dewsbury, but Millward fears the demands of pushing for success on three fronts could be a step too far for his side.
“If you win games it breeds confidence in your players,” he said. “But we don’t have a massive squad so we need to have good luck with injuries because that could damage our chances or progressing.
“We’re performing well in the league and we’re in the semi-final of the Northern Rail Cup so there are some big games ahead for the players outside of the Challenge Cup and we’re determined to make it to the Northern Rail final and hopefully continue our form and get into at least the play-offs of the league, so we’re stretched as it is.
“We need to ensure we remain focused on those games because we want to get into Super League at the next licence stage and this season gives us a great opportunity to tick some of those boxes on the field.
“But we’ll be going into the game against Catalan confident and in good form so hopefully we can spring a surprise against them.”
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round contest between Leigh Centurions and Catalan Dragons at the Leigh Sports Village cost £14 adult and £7 concessions for standing and £16 adult and £8 concession for seating and can be purchased by calling 01942 487888.