LEIGH Centurions will face old rivals Wigan Warriors in their first pre-season game of 2015.

The two sides clash on January 18 as part of Paul Prescott’s testimonial, and it will also form a key part in both clubs' preparations for rugby league’s new era.

“It’s good to welcome a club of the profile of Wigan," said boss Paul Rowley. "We all want to make money in pre-season and test ourselves, so as far as those two objectives go we couldn’t face a better side.

"Wigan are a great team. We often learn some valuable lessons in our annual encounter.

“They have also come out and said they will be bringing a strong side. It’s their last hit out before the season starts; it's a compliment to us and a mark of respect for a good servant in Paul Prescott. It’s good on all counts.”

With the Centurions set to reveal further fixtures, it means the club should be well-placed by the time they come to face their fellow Kingstone Press Championship competitors.

“Everyone will be working hard, and at present we are the team to beat, along with London and Bradford," added Rowley.

“I’ve heard some teams are on a double bonus when they play ourselves, Bradford and London. It’s a difficult enough task as it is but clubs are incentivising their players to knock us off our perch; which is one, a compliment and two, ensures that we face everyone at their best and prepare well for the big occasions.

"I find it quite interesting that clubs see it that way. It’s putting a value on some games and maybe players need that motivation. I’m not sure. We understand what we will need to face week in and week out.”

When pushed on which teams are set to use that tactic, Rowley quickly responded: “Halifax is one. They are a team that not only has recruited well but look set to go down the dual contract route.”

This would mark a U-turn on their original stance, with Hull Kingston Rovers being strongly linked.

“They are going to be a really strong outfit and their resources will match ours," Rowley explained.

Progress continues to be made by the likes of Sam Hopkins, Tom Spencer and Tommy Goulden, with all three on track for a return.

With two weeks of pre-season training under their belts, Rowley said about his squad: “Our start points have been better this year because of the continuity in personnel.

"There is less teaching. It’s really early but up until now everything is going well.

“We can improve lung capacity with swimming. A lot of people are new to full-time rugby, so we don’t want to start flogging them until they drop, but it's important that we increase lung capacity without too much strain to legs.

"We’ve got a younger squad so it’s easier to buy into it. The personnel we have now are my players.

"They buy into what we do as a club and don’t have any historical issues with players that have been here before or done it a different way. Everyone is new and fresh and wants to progress.”

Off the field the club continues to progress, with recent announcements outlining boardroom structure which sees a new commercial director, Dan Carty join Michael Norris (chairman and finance director), Steve Openshaw (acting chief executive officer, Derek Beaumont (head of rugby), Michael Latham (media and Communications Director) and Allan Rowley (Operations Director).

The Centurions have also announced details of their 2015 shirt launch, which will take place on Thursday nex in the Banqueting suite at Leigh Sports Village.

The evening commences at 6pm with tickets available from the club ticket office. It will be followed on Friday, November 28 by the Re-Launch of the Leigh Centurions Market Retail Unit, which will be re-branded and fully stocked with a full range of Centurions replica kits, leisure wear and a full range of accessories ahead of Christmas.