BRISTOW in, Cruckshank out. That's the tough choice Centurions' coach Paul Terzis finally made.

Second rower Heath Cruckshank was given the bad news that he was the unlucky one to be cut from the import quota because of a change in rules by the Rugby League.

But his fellow Aussie, loose-forward Adam Bristow, will be at Hilton Park for at least another two seasons.

"It's been a gut-wrenching few days," admitted Terzis. "In an ideal world I'd have loved to have kept both. They've been great clubmen, great for the team and great for the community. But the RFL ruling that NFP teams can only have one overseas players next season has forced our hand."

"It virtually came down to the toss of a coin. But one factor stuck out in Adam's favour is that he will come off quota next November because his wife is English and their baby will be born here. We're looking at a new two-year deal for him.

"When it came down to ability there's nothing between them. But we had to look at the big picture and for the Leigh club it was better that we kept Adam and then in a few months time would have another import slot available."

"We'll do everything in our power to get Heath fixed up with another suitable English club. If that doesn't happen then he'll probably return home to Australia.

"He's been a tremendous asset to the Leigh club and to the community. I'm sure he won't be forgotten."

Terzis has also agreed new deals with four other players. Scrum-half Kieron Purtill has re-signed for another two years while Paul Anderson, Alan Hadcroft and Phil Kendrick will be back for one more season.

Terzis remains highly confident that star hooker Mick Higham will sign a new contract soon.

"It's no secret that Mick is admired by some Super League clubs but my feeling is that he wants to stay with Leigh at this stage of his career," reveals Terzis. "Of course he wants to play at a higher level, but ideally he wants to do that with Leigh and we want to give him that opportunity."

Further contract talks next week will feature Dave Whittle, Andy Leathem, Tim Street, Simon Baldwin, Paul Norman, Dave Ingram and skipper Andy Fairclough.

"By this time next week I fully expect the majority of deals to have been done," Terzis adds.