AS LEIGH Centurions head towards a record-breaking championship rugby season they have their own Government champion pressing their claim for Super League status.

This week in the House of Commons Leigh MP and rugby league follower Andy Burnham tabled a motion that would open the "closed-shop" Super League.

He got the signatures of fellow MPs Neil Turner (Wigan), Widnes's Derek Twigg, Keighley's Ann Cryer, Chorley's Lindsay Hoyle and All Party Rugby League Committee chairman David Hinchcliffe to support his call for the introduction of a regular promotion and relegation system between big-money Super League and the Northern Ford Premiership.

He wants to break the elite clique and believes this is necessary if the 13-a-side code is to thrive.

Speaking exclusively to The Journal Mr Burnham said: "We do not have direct control over Super League, but rugby league has had a lot of lottery money from the public to develop the game. But it appears the Super League clubs don't want to admit anybody else.

"What I am after is just basic fairness within the sport.

"At Leigh the club is in the middle of the rugby league heartland. There is a buzz about the place and they need to get rewarded. If they don't it doesn't further the interest of the sport as a whole.

He said: "I think it only fair that the successful teams from the NFP are properly rewarded with promotion for the league champions and play-off winners."

Mr Burnham, an ex-county schoolboy cricketer, keen sportsman and a regular visitor to Hilton Park, says the Centurions are confident about the future and meeting all ground improvement requirements.

Over the last few years significant changes have been made at Hilton Park, all designed to fulfil the criteria needed to enter Super League.

The main stand was re-seated two years ago, followed in the last fortnight by new seats in the Supporters' Stand. Work is due to start later in the summer on a £750,000 new stand at the Glebe Street end of the ground while terrace improvements and barriers are currently being erected.

Future plans include a new stand at the Asda end, new perimeter walls and state-of-the-art turnstiles.

His motion tabled in Parliament reads:

"That this House congratulates Leigh, Widnes, Rochdale, Oldham, Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury, Hull Kingston Rovers and Keighley Rugby League clubs on reaching the play-offs of the Northern Ford Premiership;

notes that the line-up includes clubs with a proud tradition and illustrious history in the Rugby Football League;

believes all sports need to hold out the hope of promotion to competitors if they are to maintain their public appeal in the long-term;

and calls on the Super League to accept the NFP league champions and NFP play-off winners in to the Super League as a step towards establishing a proper system of promotion and relegation between the two leagues." WELL DONE - MP Andy Burnham, coach Paul Terzis and Leigh Centurions with the Minor Premiership trophy.