PAUL Rowley makes his long-awaited return for Leigh Centurions on Sunday as they take the first step towards what they hope will be a successful Challenge Cup run.

Hooker and vice-captain Rowley has missed all Leigh's pre-season warm-up games and last Sunday's season opener at Swinton while he fully recovered from close season shoulder surgery.

Rowley was given the all-clear to resume playing by his specialist last week but wasn't risked in the Arriva Trains group game against the Lions.

However, coach Darren Abram has revealed the Rowley will be in Sunday's 17 for the visit of Pennine League champions Elland in the third round of the Powergen Challenge Cup.

"Paul will play this week," Abram confirmed. "Dave McConnell has gone well in Paul's absence and it will be good for the them both and for the team that I've got two quality hookers at my disposal.

"Paul's been chomping at the bit to play again and I'm sure he'll be pulling out all the stops to re-assert himself as Leigh's number one hooker"

Abram doesn't anticipate making too many changes from last week's 17 although half-back Mick Coates is not available for personal reasons. "Everyone in the first team squad is under consideration and that includes the likes of Dale Cardoza and Danny Halliwell who didn't figure last week," Abram said. He will leave his final team selection until tomorrow (Friday).

Elland are something of an unknown quantity and Abram says the Centurions will treat them with respect.

"There will be no complacency on our part," he said. "If we get our game right, then we'll be OK."

But Abram admits that he feels the Pennine League Premier Division leaders and current Yorkshire Cup holders, will play a forward dominated game. "Coach Karl Fairbank has a big pack at his disposal and I'm sure that's the way he'll go. We've got to be ready for that physical battle.

"They've got a bit of pace in the backs but generally seem to base their game around the pack."