Leigh Centurions v Warrington Wolves: Preview

Warrington face another tricky assignment as the Super League’s bottom side travel to Leigh Centurions on Thursday night.

The Wolves suffered their fourth straight defeat in the league last week, as four tries from youngster Liam Marshall helped the Wigan Warriors to a 38-16 victory.

Mistakes yet again cost Warrington as Wigan’s clinical attack took full advantage and coach Tony Smith knows his side must improve if they are to claim their first two points of the season against Leigh.

The Centurions go into this week’s clash full of confidence after a very impressive win over Huddersfield at the Leigh Sports Village.

Neil Jukes’ side withstood plenty of pressure from the Giants in the opening ten minutes, but after that took control with tries from Adam Higson and Jamie Acton, with Ben Reynolds converting both.

Second half tries from Danny Tickle, Reynolds and Sam Hopkins completed a fine performance and ensured that the Centurions picked up their second win since returning to the Super League.

Leigh make one change to their 19-man squad to face Warrington, with forward Glenn Stewart replacing Dayne Weston.

The 33-year-old has been absent from the squad since their opening round defeat to Castleford and will be eager to make his mark after being recalled.

Injuries have disrupted Warrington’s season so far but they have been boosted by the return of captain Chris Hill, with the England international replacing young half-back Declan Patton in Wire’s 19-man squad.

The 29-year-old has yet to make an appearance this year following a post-season hernia and shoulder operation at the end of the Four Nations.

Hill has now been passed fit for inclusion but Thursday’s clash comes too soon for Stefan Ratchford while Dom Crosby also misses out.

Kevin Penny (ankle), Ben Currie (ACL) and George King (hamstring) all remain on the sidelines as Warrington aim to try and avoid a fifth straight defeat in the Super League.

Chris Hill’s return gives Warrington a major lift coming into this game, as his leadership and organisational skills is something that has been missed.

However, his former side Leigh are a side to be wary off, especially at home.

The Centurions showed their potential with a superb win over St Helens and pushed Leeds all the way in a narrow 17-14 defeat, so they will fancy their chances against the Wolves.

Warrington are still some way off finding the form of last season and Leigh could takes full advantage on Thursday night.

Leigh Squad: Brown, Higson, Crooks, Reynolds, Dawson, Ridyard, Drinkwater, Hock, Higham, Acton, Stewart, Hansen, Pelissier, Tickle, Vea, Hampshire, Hopkins, Burr, Green.

Warrington Squad: Atkins, Blythe, Brown, Clark, Cooper, Dwyer, Evans, Gidley, Hill, Hughes, Johnson, Lineham, Livett, Philbin, Russell, Savelio, Sims, Westerman, Westwood.