LEIGH Centurions’ history-making team will be missing a third frontline forward when they return to play-offs action.

Sam Hopkins, who figured in Leigh’s record-breaking side in the weekend’s defeat of Doncaster, will not play again this year.

Any delay with the operation he needs could have impacted upon Hopkins’ availability for the start of next season.

Centurions head coach Paul Rowley said: “Sam will have a shoulder operation this week, so that is his season done.

“Certainly since the Featherstone Rovers game at home, he’s been outstanding.

“It’s a big blow, and a big blow for him because he feels he is potentially missing out on a final but it’s a decision taken as a group between the coaches, medical staff and Sam.

“He wanted to be there to start next season and he’s probably seen what an effect it can have on some of our lads who went in late for operations this year.”

Hopkins joins the sidelined Tommy Goulden and Tom Spencer, who is now recuperating after an operation.

“It is a squad game,” said Rowley.

“You can’t deny missing Spencer, Goulden and Hopkins because that’s a good cluster of talent to take from any squad, but we are challenged by it.

“Everyone is rubbing their hands and we’ve got players like Anthony Bate and Ollie Wilkes who didn’t play at the weekend. Along with Cameron Pitman they are still fighting to get in the team. Desperate players will produce good performances.”

After ten years without a playoffs win, Centurions’ 41-14 triumph against Doncaster ensured the cur- Adam Higson, Michael Platt and Kurt Haggerty celebrate a try in the play-offs win against Doncaster. Picture: MIKE BODEN rent team became the most successful in the club’s history, with 29 wins and two defeats from 31 games.

Rowley said: “We were pretty keen to achieve that and be part of history in what has been a very heritage focused year. We wanted to write our own history and are immensely proud.”

Leigh have now amassed 1,205 points over the season, the sixth best tally in the club’s history, while conceding only 479 points at the other end.

“We are scoring near enough 40 points a game,” said Rowley.

“We identified what we wanted to be scoring on average per game at the beginning of the year, which we’ve smashed, and also looked at the points we should be conceding.

We have hit that right on the nose.

“It’s been an unbelievable year in what was billed as the toughest yet. To do this against such fierce competition makes it all the more remarkable.”

Add to that, in a season of milestones, Ryan Brierley has become only the third Leigh player to finish top try scorer three seasons in a row.

Centurions sit out of games this week as Halifax, Dewsbury, Doncaster and Sheffield go up against each other to see who will win the right to play Leigh at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, September 28, kick off 3pm, or Featherstone, who also progressed at the first attempt.

Meanwhile, Centurions centre Stuart Littler has revealed via his Twitter account that he will be leaving the club this winter after playing 101 games and scoring 32 tries.

“I’ve had an amazing four years at my hometown club,” he said. “In that time I’ve been lucky enough to win two Northern Rail Cups, two Player of the Year awards and play in a second World Cup. I would like to thank you all for your support.”