Win was important for Leigh – Jukes

Leigh coach Neil Jukes says it was important that his side got The Qualifiers off to a good start.

The Centurions recorded a comfortable 38-12 win at Featherstone, following on from the 25-0 home defeat of Salford that ensured they didn’t finish bottom of the Super League table.

Recent signing Daniel Mortimer was impressive in the halves alongside Josh Drinkwater, and Leigh will be hoping to replicate the success they had in the competition last year.

Jukes told the club’s official website: “It was a job well done.

“It was important to get off to a winning start and we know how hard it is to come to this place if you are not on your game.

“We got off to a really good start and then they came back and it took a while for us to impose ourselves on the game. 

“Full credit to Featherstone- they made it very hard for us and we made sure we prepared as thoroughly as for any game this season.

“Mortimer was good again- there is a bit of toughness about him and he is a good competitor. 

“To the main we executed what we spoke about. Him and Josh Drinkwater were both decent and when your halves are going well you have a chance.

“But we are taking nothing for granted and know if we are not on song we will get turned over. We had some good players on the sidelines and over the course of the Qualifiers we will need them all.”

Saturday was the first time Leigh had recorded back-to-back victories since the wins over Huddersfield and Warrington in March.

They are next in action on Saturday against Hull KR, who defeated them in the Challenge Cup back in April.