Co-operative Championship play-offs elimination semi-final

Leigh Sports Village, Thursday 22 September, kick-off 7.30pm

Centre Menzie Yere returns to the Eagles’ squad to boost their chances of booking a first appearance in a Championship Grand Final.

PNG international Yere has missed the last two games through suspension. Mitch Stringer is expected to play, despite nursing shoulder and knee problems, from last weekend's 50-12 win over Halifax.

Mark Aston said: “There will be bumps and bruises but it’s a semi-final and it’s on Sky – nothing will stop the lads playing.”

He added: “We challenged ourselves to do better than last season. We did that in the league by finishing fourth, now we are into a semi-final and the only way we can do that is getting to the Grand Final.

Aston added: “We have played smart rugby in the last two games against Widnes and Halifax. Now we have to go away and face a very good team in Leigh but we’re looking good and scoring tries and that what you need to be in big games.”

Leigh’s assistant coach Paul Rowley praised his squad's reaction to last week's 35-20 defeat at Featherstone in the qualifying semi. He insists they are ready to right those wrongs and book a place in Grand Final.

Rowley said: “It was 10 out of 10 for effort, but it was totally misguided. We played as individuals and under pressure we didn't stick to doing the things that we've practiced all season.

“People tried to solve problems on their own instead of collectively. That was out of character and hopefully on Thursday we'll go back to what we've been doing all year.”

He added: “The players have been very receptive of the video work and feedback they've been given. They've been honest with themselves, and the coaches have been honest with them too.

“Accepting that criticism is important, and they've done that. We know the areas we need to improve - it's now about being mentally prepared and ready to play.”

Tommy Goulden faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem, but if he is passed fit then the Centurions could be unchanged.

“We've played our best games against them (the Eagles) this year,” said Rowley. “However, we know how good they are. They've got good strike players in Menzie Yere, Misi Taulapapa and Quinten Laulu-Togagae, and there's also a good steadying influence in Andrew Henderson that gives them a threat at the ruck.

“They're a well-balanced side and they're dangerous. Year after year they find form at this time of the season. We totally respect them.”