LEIGH Centurions' season could be shaped over the next three weekends.
This Sunday they travel to Hull KR for one of their most testing away trips of the entire National League One campaign before making a return journey to Cumbria the following week for the Arriva Trains Cup semi-final against Whitehaven. Then it's back to Hilton Park for a clash with in form Batley.
A hat-trick of victories against three of the division's leading contenders will do Leigh a power of good as they head into the second half of the league campaign but coach Darren Abram refuses to look that far ahead.
"One game at a time is an old cliche, I know," he says. "But that's my philosophy. I don't want the players getting distracted from focusing on Hull KR by thinking who we play in the weeks that follow.
"Our preparation will be as intense as it always is for the Hull KR game. We'll work on a different game plan but the overall preparation remains the same.
"We all know just how tough it's going to be to get a good result at Craven Park. But by the same token we pose a huge threat to their ambitions as well. It will be a hostile environment and a tight pitch but if we play to are capabilities I'll be happy.
"Every time we step out onto the park the opposition raise their game to try and knock over the competition favourites. We know that and are ready to stand up to the challenge that brings. Every team hits a flat spot at some stage - just look at Bradford currently - but I think we're coming through ours and if the second half last Sunday is any indication, we're getting back to the sort of form we want to be producing week in and week out."
With the exception of joint leading try scorer Chris Percival, Abram expects to have a full squad at his disposal this weekend.
Percival is still a couple of weeks away from a return. He's had small operation on his infected knee but is still unable to train.
Second rower Oli Wilkes returns to the squad for the Humberside trip after completing his one match suspension and prop Heath Cruckshank also returns after being rested last weekend.
Paul Norman (foot), Radney Bowker (foot) and Damian Munro (hamstring) are also all expected to be pushing for places in the 17.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article