LEIGH have appointed one of Rugby League's top administrators to the Hilton Park board.

Tony Gale, who was Financial Controller of the Rugby League in Leeds until a few months ago, will bring considerable financial expertise to Leigh.

"He was a huge help to this club when we were coming out of administration and was keen to get involved in the game at club level," revealed Leigh chairman Mick Higgins.

"I understand he had overtures to join the board at Wigan so it's a huge feather in our caps that he decided to join us.

"His wide-ranging expertise can only be of benefit to us."

Meanwhile, Wigan's quartet of Aussie recruits could all figure in the pre-season friendly at Leigh on January 25.

Winger Mark Bell, centre Danny Moore, prop Tony Mestrov and hooker Robbie McCormack are all expected to be available for the Hilton Park derby clash.

There is also a suggestion from the Wigan camp that Denis Betts may start his comeback after a shoulder reconstruction.

The Wigan game was fixed up late last week after the withdrawal of Oldham, who should have featured in a warm-up game at Hilton Park.

Leigh will now travel to Widnes Vikings on Sunday (3pm) as they start their preparations for the new season.

They meet Wigan the following Sunday before taking on amateurs Hunslet Warriors in the third round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup on February 1.

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