INSPIRATIONAL Leigh skipper Tim Street fears his season may be over.

Specialists have told the rugged front rower his knee injury will keep him out of action for four to six weeks.

And, with the Divisional Premiership scheduled for Old Trafford later this month, Street is likely to be a non-starter should Leigh upset all the odds and reach the final.

Street damaged knee ligaments against Keighley just over a week ago. And, while a scan revealed no serious damage, specialists are advising a lengthy rest period.

"It's a sickener to pick up the injury at this stage," said Street. "But it's better now than at the start of next season. The doctors say four to six weeks, but I'm hopeful I can be fit before.

"I hope we're still playing but I'm not going to do anything stupid and rush back just to play in the Premiership.

"My priority is to get the knee 100 per cent right and then train hard in the close season, ready for our promotion push next season.

"I was proud of the lads at Rochdale. They've had a gruelling time and injuries are taking an effect, but what a tremendous show of guts.

"Young Dean Conway, who came in for me, did a tremendous job and I know if he is selected again he won't let anybody down."

Conway is likely to get the nod again on Sunday when Leigh aim for a semi-final place by claiming another First Division scalp in Whitehaven.

The Cumbrians were the surprise package in Division One last season, finishing just out of the promotion frame, and they know exactly what to expect after their 30-10 Silk Cut Plate defeat at Hilton Park back in February.

"I think we caught Whitehaven under-prepared for that game," acknowledged coach Keith Latham. "I don't think they'll make the same mistake again.

"But, having said that, we've grown up as a team since those early days and I'm sure the lads will be up for the job.

"We have to respect Whitehaven because of their higher status but we know who the dangermen are.

"We also have players in top form. David Ingram, Andy Fairclough, Safraz Patel, John Gunning and Andy Pucill are on fire at the moment. They'll cause Whitehaven problems."

Ingram, back after a bout of flu, is in a rich vein of scoring form with 15 tries in 20 appearances.

And Dean Purtill, who missed the Rochdale win because of flu, should be back on Sunday looking for the two points that will take him to 300 for the season.

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