ONE player pushing through the pain barrier for Leigh Centurions over recent weeks of pre-season training has been Mat Gardner following surgery for a neck complaint.

Despite the threat of a long lay-off, the experienced centre, knowing his spot could be on the line, has been working hard.

“His corrective surgery appears to have done the trick. We’ll keep him monitored and he’s been ripping in,” said Centurions' head coach Paul Rowley.