PACKMAN Paul Daniel and emerging teenage centre Paul Blackburn may have played their last games for Leigh.

Daniel is considering retiring because of increased work commitments while Blackburn has been advised to quit due to a seriously-damaged shoulder.

Coming quickly on the heels of points ace Dean Purtill's decision to take a year off while he completes his police training, it's a triple blow coach Keith Latham could have done without.

Daniel has just started a new job and feels he could not give full commitment to a season in Division One.

"I appreciate his honesty and fully understand his position," said Latham.

"He is going to Australia for a holiday over Christmas and has promised to reconsider, but it doesn't look too favourable.

"The loss of Blackburn will be a huge blow. The kid had the potential to go all the way to the top but a specialist has found severe nerve damage in his shoulder and has been advised to quit immediately.

"We might get a second opinion. But our specialist is adamant he risks permanent damage by continuing to play."

Now Leigh have been confirmed as a Division One side, the Hilton Park boss knows he needs to strengthen his squad.

"I'm convinced that given time our youth policy will stand us in good stead," he added. "But we need players of proven First Division calibre in the short term.

"The chairman, Mick Higgins, is doing his utmost to provide me with the finance to move into the transfer market, but money is tight."

Latham is delighted to see Leigh move up the League pecking order and acknowledges Higgins' efforts in the negotiations.

"It's a big boost for me, the players, the clubs and the fans," he said. "We know we have the ability to compete at that level and there will be some attractive games at Hilton Park next season.

"But we owe Mick a huge debt of gratitude for the tireless work he has put in over the past few weeks. It's down to him we've achieved the status we have. I can't praise him enough."

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