Leigh’s John Duffy has sent his support to Wakefield counterpart Chris Chester as the rival Super League coaches plot a first win of the season for their respective clubs.
Both have suffered six defeats in six, and because of earlier Challenge Cup losses, like Hull KR and Leeds, they had no match over the weekend.
There have been reports of serious online abuse being aimed at Chester and other Trinity staff, and Duffy said: “It’s just not on.
“The job is stressful enough without this kind of craziness, and I had a chat with Chessy the other night.
“Supporters have a right to criticise, but it should be constructive, not abusive, and so much these days is totally over the top. I stay off social media for this reason.”
While Wakefield head to Leeds on Friday, Duffy’s side host Wigan next Monday, May 17, when a limited number of fans will be inside Leigh Sports Village.
The teams met on the opening night of the season at Emerald Headingley, when Wigan came from behind to win 20-18.
Since then Leigh have lost to Warrington, Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup, Castleford, Salford and St Helens.
Their elevation to Super League in place of Toronto wasn’t confirmed until December, leaving the club playing catch-up in terms of planning and building a squad.
Leigh have also suffered a string of injuries, with Duffy often losing players in key positions.
But the former Swinton and Featherstone coach insisted: “We’re not looking for excuses and there are no complaints. We knew what we were getting into.
“We are on a sharp learning curve, and we’ll keep working hard to get that first win, which will give us a confidence boost and a platform to build from.”
It’s hoped threequarter Brendan Elliot (knee), halfbacks Jamie Ellis (knee) and Joe Mellor (hamstring) and prop Adam Sidlow (knee) could be available against Wigan.
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