Leigh changed the landscape of the Qualifiers on Saturday, as they shocked Salford to pick up an important victory over in their quest for promotion.
The implications of Leigh’s victory over the Red Devils remains unclear, but it has made the last five rounds of the Qualifiers that bit more interesting.
Making the Million Pound Game was the minimum requirement for the Centurions ahead of the middle 8s, and should they defeat Championship counterparts, Featherstone and Batley, then they would almost be certain of a spot in the all-or-nothing clash in October. However, should they do that, and then defeat one of Leeds, Hull KR or Huddersfield, they could well earn automatic promotion this season.
Of course, the sport doesn’t work on logic, so there’s absolutely nothing to say Leigh will defeat Fev or the Bulldogs. However victory over Salford does legitimise their credentials.
There will be a question mark hanging over their head after last year’s disappointment, that saw them finish bottom of the Qualifiers in its first year after managing just one victory throughout the campaign, and it remains to be seen whether Leigh can overcome that mental barrier as the competition progresses.
However, although there are bigger hurdles to leap, they’ve got out of the traps at rapid speed.
