CRAIG DEAN today starts the long haul back to full fitness.

The Leigh skipper is unlikely to figure again this season after he had an ankle reconstruction operation on Friday.

But coach Ian Millward says the surgery went well. "The injury is just as the specialist thought," he said. "Two ligaments were ripped from the bone and a third had snapped.

"The good thing is there were no hidden surprises. Although the injury is a bad one, it isn't any worse than feared. The specialist sees no reason why Craig won't be back better than ever."

The scrum-half, who has managed only six games, will be in plaster for six weeks before starting an extensive programme of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

"There is an outside chance Craig might have fully recovered in time for the end of season play-offs," added Millward. "But, being realistic, I think were are looking at next season."

Leigh picked up further injury worries in Sunday's runaway victory over Workington with back rower Paul Norman already ruled out of this weekend's tricky trip to Batley.

Norman sprung a shoulder after coming on as sub and joined other casualties Dave Whittle (knee) and Tau Liku (ankle).

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