THE long wait is over. Vila Matautia will make his Leigh Centurions debut in Sunday's top-of-the-table showdown with Rochdale Hornets at Hilton Park.

And the sparks could fly with Samoan hardman Matautia and Hornets' new recruit Paul Davidson likely to go head-to-head.

Leigh's head coach Paul Terzis has confirmed that his big off-season capture from St Helens will be in the 17 on Sunday. Whether Matautia starts or comes of the bench is still a closely guarded secret.

"Vila's itching to get into the action," says Terzis. "He's trained the house down for the past few weeks and is ready for his introduction.

"His attitude since he came to Leigh has been spot-on. His presence about the place puts an extra spring in everyone's step. He has the potential to make a massive impact on this division.

"And with Paul Davidson in the Rochdale side, it should be interesting to say the least!"

But Matautia's inclusion could be tempered by the loss of second rower Simon Baldwin who is struggling with a badly bruised elbow. "It's quite painful for him at the moment but with daily treatment we're hoping he'll make it," says Terzis.

But the news for winger Chris Irwin isn't so good. He'll be out for the next six weeks weeks with a torn hamstring. Just back after an ankle injury, the ex-Wigan reserve grader scored one try at Hull KR last weekend and helped set up another. His absence could open the door again for Dave Ingram or Liam Bretherton who have both figured on the flanks in earlier games.

Chris Morley will be available to take his place in the pack after RL ruled this week that Sunday's abandoned game did wipe off his one-match suspension. Morley was banned after being found guilty of reckless use of the boot against Hunslet.

The Centurions Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup tie against amateurs Halton Simms Cross will be staged at Widnes' AutoQuest Stadium on Sunday, January 27. Admission prices have still to be announced.

Simms Cross, one of the most famous names in amateur RL circles, are defending champions of the NW Counties Premier Division.

While the luck of the draw favoured the Centurions, their amateur neighbours Leigh East weren't so fortunate. They face a difficult trip to Sheffield Eagles.