David Magilton talks to Leigh's new recruit Liam Bretherton

LIAM Bretherton may only have played three times for Leigh Centurions but the Abram lad has already established himself as a key figure.

Coach Paul Terzis had a shopping list of five players he was hoping to bring in to Hilton Park a month ago. Bretherton was his only success when he persuaded neighbours Wigan to part with their young utility back until the end of the season.

But the 21 year-old has quickly settled in at Hilton Park and responded to the new challenge with two exceptional displays again table-topping Dewsbury Rams which had everyone from the coach down singing his praises.

Bretherton now prepares for Sunday's semi-final showdown with Oldham focused on ensuring Leigh take a step closer in their fight for Super League status.

"I am looking forward to getting the match started and playing," said a confident Bretherton. "I know three or four players from Oldham and it may seem cocky but I am not concerned about the way they play. I know the only people who can beat Leigh are ourselves. If we don't play well then we will lose the match. We are confident but we know Oldham have beaten Leigh away and narrowly lost here.

"Obviously the way they play and spot players will be in our minds but if we play well I can't see anybody beating us. Obviously Mike Ford is the driving force. He tells them where they are going and what to do. He has an influential role. If something goes wrong he will be telling them what needs correcting."

Bretherton has only been at Hilton Park for four weeks but admits he has quickly settled down.

" I came to Leigh before I joined them and had a word with Paul Terzis. I like the way he does things and the way he coaches and approaches the players. I knew I would fit in. That is why I decided to make the move and come on loan." The former student admits he found it difficult forcing his way into Wigan's star-laden team and feels he is wanted at Hilton Park.

"I started at Warrington where I had a couple of first team places at 17. I then went to University and went on loan to Whitehaven. I went for trial at Wigan did well and they signed me on. I have been there for a season and a half and played in the first team in five or six matches. I played in the Boxing Day match against St Helens on the wing.

"I thought I was playing good enough but you are up against top players. It is just a case of plugging away but when the opportunity came I decided to come to Leigh where I knew I would get a chance.

"I want to be playing in the first team. It is not a step down it is a step to the side. Coming to somewhere like Leigh in the NFP which has not got as much status as Super League can be seen as a step down but I don't look at it like that. I see it as a step sideways to further my career. If that means Leigh get Super League status I will be pushing them there. I am happy here."

Bretherton is billed as a utility player but that is a tag he wants to get rid off.

"People don't recognise me as a stand-off but I played there quite a while as a schoolboy and for Ireland in internationals. I am a utility player but that sticks with you and you tend to get put everywhere. I would rather cement a place.

"I am enjoying the stand-off role. With the success I have had in the last couple of matches people have said Kieron Purtill and myself have set up a good relationship. But I have known him from school and we got on straight away. I know him and he is knowledgeable."

There has hardly been a dull moment for Bretherton in the last month as he was married a week after joining the club and he now prepares for a semi and hopefully a Grand Final.

"The team has picked up which is a combination of the coach being a good motivator and the lads realising it is coming up to the point where we have to be on form to win the semis and final. Players have good ability in the side, it is a case of steering it in the right direction and at the moment that is where we are going.

"It is a new experience for me as I have not been in this situation before. If we lose we will not be in the Grand Final and the season is over."

As to the future the half-back admits he would dearly love to come to Hilton Park but as a professional player has to keep his options open.

"The idea was to get me some first team experience and if we win the Grand Final I can't see any reason why we can't get in Super League," he admitted. "If we did I would be happy to come to Leigh. To be honest I would be happy even if they are in NFP because we are improving all the time. It is a case of waiting and seeing what happens.

"The players are doing all they can to win the Grand Final and the chairman and coach are pulling together. But my future is the last thing I am thinking about at the moment. I just want to win the Grand Final."

Terzis was delighted with his latest recruit saying: "I would love to have him here permanently. His versatility is crucial in today's game and he will be high on our priorities of signings for next season."