LEIGH’S failed bid for Super League last season has been hammered home by the publication of next year’s Kingstone Press Championship fixture list.

Instead of hoped-for trips to Leeds, Wigan and Warrington, the long and winding road to the top flight has a familiar but unwanted look about it.

And it’s Summer Bash II rather than Magic Weekend I for Paul Rowley’s men as the harsh reality of Centurions’ dismal Middle 8s campaign hits home.

The quest for the top flight resumes again on February 7 with a visit to John Kear’s Batley Bulldogs.

Newly promoted Oldham are the first visitors to Leigh Sports Village on February 14.

A home game with Dewsbury Rams on July 24 brings an end to the regular campaign when Leigh will hope to be crowned Championships League Leaders for a third successive season.

The holy grail, however, is Super League. And the new fixtures’ release is a painful reminder of Leigh’s status as second-tier club less than three weeks after a 50-6, 2015 season-concluding mauling at Widnes.

It shows three games against arch rivals Bradford Bulls, whose own Super League bid ended against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the Million-Pound Game.

The same concept is back for 2016 and will be staged on the weekend of October 1-2.

However, Leigh’s goal will be to finish in the top three of the Middle 8’s and achieve automatic promotion.

The venues for away games at Oldham (May 12) and Sheffield Eagles (July 17) have yet to be confirmed.

Oldham won’t be hosting opposition at vandal-hit Whitebank Stadium and are expecting to confirm a ground share with League One football neighbours Oldham Athletic.

Eagles, who provided Leigh’s only win of the Middle 8s this summer, finished their campaign at Bramall Lane.

It is likely they will return to the home of Sheffield United while they search for a permanent new headquarters.

Meanwhile, England warm up for their impending three Test series against world number one ranked side New Zealand at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday with a "friendly" against France, kick-off 2pm.

Former Leigh favourite Chris Hill is expected to make Steve McNamara’s final 17.

And the England coach says fans will be rewarded for their attendance with a full-blooded contest.

"I want to make this clear, this is a test match for our team,” he said.

“This is not a trial game, a warm-up or whatever other words people want to use to describe this game.

“International caps are very hard to come by these days and there is one up for grabs in this game.

"Players have been training fiercely to get into the team this week to play against France.

“Fans will see our strongest team on the field at Leigh Sports Village, barring any injuries, it’s going to be close to what will be facing the Kiwis.

"You’ll see the best English players available right from the off.”

Leigh’s Jonny Walker will keep his place in Scotland’s squad for tomorrow’s must-win European Championship game against Ireland in Galashiels.

Walker started last week’s 18-12 defeat by Wales that leaves the Bravehearts needing to beat the Wolfhounds to keep alive hopes of defending their title.

He will be up against Centurions team-mate Bob Beswick, who was Ireland’s starting hooker in last weekend’s 31-14 defeat by France in Albi.