LEIGH Centurions have major pack problems ahead of Sunday's awkward trip to Oldham.

In the space of just two games, Leigh have lost three hookers and a prop forward and will go into this weekend's clash without a recognised number nine.

Regular hookers Paul Rowley and John Hamilton are both out and John Duffy, who filled in as an emergency at Whitehaven last weekend, is unlikely to have recovered from a badly bruised thigh.

To add to Leigh's injury woes, prop Dave Bradbury, one of their most consistent performers this season, will be out for up to three weeks with ankle ligament damage.

"It's a nightmare," admitted coach Paul Terzis. "We seem to take two steps forward and three back when it comes to injuries."

Ironically Rowley and Hamilton were both hurt in the same game against Keighley two weeks ago. Rowley has a hairline fracture of the cheekbone while Hamilton broke a bone in his hand.

Rowley should be back next week but Hamilton will be missing until the end of the month.

The only good news for Terzis is the return of Welsh international prop Dave Whittle who missed the Whitehaven game with a bruised calf.

"We are down to the bare bones at the moment," Terzis admitted.

"I've got several options in mind but I won't make any decisions until later in the week."

One option would be to recall scrum-half Lee Sanderson from his loan spell with St Helens to fill one of the half-back roles but he too is under an injury cloud.

"It is an option available to me, but Lee didn't play last week because of a bad back."

After two successive away defeats at Featherstone and Whitehaven, Terzis knows Leigh must quickly address their slump in travelling form.

"Seven of our remaining 12 games are away from Hilton Park so if we're to clinch second spot in the table we're going to have to start picking up wins again away from home," he says.

"Although Oldham are out of the top nine at the moment, they are pushing hard for a play-off place. Their temporary home at Hursts Cross is small and tight and will suite them more than us. We'll have to adapt our game plan accordingly."

Another element that may have a bearing on Sunday's game is the coaching upheaval at Oldham.

Head coach John Harbin sensationally quit after last Sunday's game to take up a conditioning role with soccer club Oldham Athletic.

On Monday, Oldham appointed veteran prop Steve Molloy as their player/coach until the end of the season. Ex-Leigh forward Mark Knight, Harbin's assistant, has also quit.

Leigh's Under 17s Academy side will meet Halifax at Hilton Park on Sunday morning, kick off 11.30am.

Tomorrow night (Friday) temporary lodgers Swinton Lions are back at Hilton Park for an NFP clash against Barrow, kick off 8pm.