TWO of Leigh Centurions' long-term casualties are hitting the comeback trail.

Willie Swann and Richard Marshall should soon be back in first team contention, strengthening Darren Abram's squad following the retirement of popular prop Dave Bradbury.

Swann's versatility to play in either half-pack position or at loose forward makes him a valuable squad member but he's yet to make an appearance this season after having corrective ankle surgery.

He started his comeback in the Under 21s last Thursday and reported no ill-effects. "I came through OK," he said. "My fitness levels are a bit down but all I need now is a bit of game time."

"It's a big boost to have Willie and Richard back again," admitted coach Abram. "They might be a week or two away from pushing for first team places, but all the signs are good that they'll be back with us soon."

With the Centurions getting the weekend off because of their automatic qualification for the Arriva Trains quarter-finals, it will give several players the chance to shake off injuries.

Paul Rowley (shoulder), Ian Knott (groin) and David Larder (ankle) were all stood down from the team that hammered Featherstone last weekend while Dale Cardoza has not played for a month due to a knee injury.