It’s official: Leigh Centurions are back in Super League.
Neil Jukes’ side knew that victory against Huddersfield would be enough to get them over the line and mark a first return to the top flight since 2005 – and if there was any pressure on them, they certainly didn’t show it.
Leading 18-0 after 13 minutes, only a brief comeback from Huddersfield midway through the first period – when the scoreline was narrowed to 18-10 – troubled the Centurions.
From there they ran in another four first-half tries to lead 42-10 at the break, with a hat-trick for Matty Dawson and two for Martyn Ridyard the highlights.
Mitch Brown’s try extended the lead to 48-10 – before the Giants scored 30 points in as many second-half minutes to set up a nervy finish – but Leigh eventually had enough in the tank to hang on.
They failed spectacularly in the middle eight last year – but this year, it is a very different story. Buckle up Super League; there is a new team coming to the party next season.