ENIGMATIC centre Dale Cardoza could have played his final game for Leigh Centurions.

Cardoza began a month-long loan period with NL1 rivals Featherstone Rovers on Monday, a move that looks like ending his two-year stay at Hilton Park.

A return to the Centurions in four weeks' time is unlikely with coach Darren Abram admitting he would have no objection to Cardoza joining Rovers permanently.

Rovers made an approach for Cardoza when they played at Leigh two weeks ago but were told he is currently sidelined with a knee injury. However Rovers opted to take him for a month and then re-assess the situation.

"Dale's injury is a mystery," said Abram. "Our physio can't find anything seriously wrong, yet Dale refuses to go and see a specialist. He's refused to play in our Under 21s and won't do his rehabilitation to our satisfaction. I feel he's unsettled at Leigh and perhaps a move back to Yorkshire will be the best thing for him.

"I've got lads in the squad training and working hard on their games; I'm not going to overlook them just to include Dale in the first team. I accept he's one of the most explosive players in our division, but he's also got lots of flaws in his make-up.

"I've not entirely given up on him. Rovers will send me tapes when he finally does get on the field so I can keep tabs on him. But if they made us an offer I don't think we'd stand in his way."

Leigh have also agreed to release winger Shane Irabor back to his club, Barrow.

Irabor should have been with Leigh on a season long loan when he studied at the University of Central Lancashire. But a bad ankle injury in a pre-season game has kept him out since and although he's recovered, Irabor has been unable to force his way into the starting line-up.

Leigh still have three major injury doubts ahead of Sunday's key game at Oldham.

Paul Rowley (shoulder), Ian Knott (groin) and Dave Larder (ankle) are all still under treatment and are only rated at 50-50.

"It's a bit of a worry at the moment," Abram admits. "I wanted my strongest side out against Oldham but it doesn't look like it's going to be that way."

Richard Marshall and Willie Swann, who have both made their comebacks in the U21s after lengthy lay-offs, will be considered for selection. Also in contention is centre Danny Halliwell who was KO'd against Featherstone.

Abram is expecting a far tougher game against Oldham this time around after Leigh twice put 50 points past them in the Arriva Trains competition.

"They've changed their style of play since then and it seems to be working for them," Abram said. "They're more expansive than they were and have got half backs Ian Watson and Neil Roden playing well. Phil Farrell is back for them now and he makes a big difference."

Oldham have opened the league campaign with a 100 per cent record, beating Featherstone easily at Boundary Park and then seeing off Halifax at the Shay by 25-6. At that point they had won six in a row but were beaten 32-28 at Doncaster in last Sunday's Arrive Trains play-off qualifier.

Leigh have been drawn at Barrow in the Arriva Trains quarter-final. The match takes place on June 6 at Craven Park.

Ex-Leigh coach Paul Terzis is one of 30 applicants for the vacant job at Halifax. Terzis is also reported to have put his name forward for coaching role at Castleford.