CONFIDENCE is sky high as National League Division One leaders Leigh Centurions expect to make it a hat-trick of league wins when they visit Batley Bulldogs on Sunday.

Back-to-back Easter wins over Hull KR and Whitehaven have put the Centurions top of the pile and while they are wary of the dangers a trip to Mount Pleasant poses, they are in no mood to slip up.

"We know just how tough it can be at their home ground," says coach Paul Terzis. "But those wins over Easter have given us a big lift and we go to Mount Pleasant knowing that if we perform, we'll get the two points. That's our target.

Knowing what to expect

"Batley gave us a hard time on a couple of occasions last season, both in the league at their place and again at Hilton Park in the play-off semi-final. Those games leave us knowing what to expect on Sunday."

The Bulldogs have had a mixed start to the league season, beating Dewsbury at Mount Pleasant but followed that up with a 50-point hammering at Salford.

"They will be smarting from that Salford result," adds Terzis. "They've had a couple of weeks to lick their wounds and prepare for us."

The Centurions' squad reported back for duty this week after their mini-break, refreshed in mind and body. "The break has given everyone the chance to re-charge their batteries and heal a few bruised bodies," Terzis adds.

Star centre Dale Cardoza is back in Sunday's squad after missing both Easter games through suspension but there is still an injury cloud hanging over top try scorer Damian Munro.

Munro damaged his back at home prior to the Hull KR game and had to sit out the Easter programme. He was back in full training this week but the injury flared up again. Leigh are hoping that a few days; intensive physio will do the trick and he'll be fit to return this weekend.

Winger Leroy Rivett has fully recovered from an abductor muscle strain and is available but record-breaking full-back Neil Turley is still a couple of weeks away from a return as he makes slow progress from an ankle ligament injury.

Despite the long term absence of Turley and front rower Rob Ball (shoulder) Terzis is in an upbeat mood.

"The injury situation is slowly clearing but the lads who were drafted in as replacements over Easter did themselves and the team proud. They've provided some very stiff competition for the boys returning from injury.

"If they continue to perform they'll keep their places. My philosophy has always been it's not the name in the shirt that matters but the performance."