LEIGH skipper Micky Higham believes Neil Jukes’ appointment as successor to Paul Rowley is the “right and sensible decision.”

But Higham tips Rowley to become a Super League coach of the future once he ends his self imposed exile from the sport.

Rowley’s resignation 10 days before Centurions’ opening Kingstone Press Championship game at Batley Bulldogs rocked the club to the core.

Owner Derek Beaumont quickly ended speculation about Rowley’s replacement by confirming 39-year-old Jukes’ promotion from assistant boss.

Ex Leigh chief Ian Millward, former Bradford and Great Britain coach Brian Noble and current St Helens assistant, Sean Long, were briefly touted as Rowley’s successor.

Now Higham has given his own backing to the new man in the hot seat.

“All the lads are behind him because nothing is really broken,” insists the former St Helens, Wigan and Warrington hooker.

“Neil knows all the systems because he’s worked with ‘Rolls’ for so long.

"As he told us in a meeting this week everything will still stay the same.

"Our training, our preparation is not going to change because Neil had a massive input into it anyway.

“I think he deserves first chance. Derek said he didn’t have any doubts he would make Neil head coach and I am sure he will do well.”

Rowley’s ‘I quit’ bombshell came almost four years since he took over the Leigh reigns on a permanent basis. He guided Centurions to back-to-back Championship League Leaders’ Shield successes, Grand Final glory in 2014 and earned the club praise for playing an entertaining, crowd pleasing brand of rugby.

He cited “personal” reasons for leaving his job and his expensively assembled squad.

“As much as we are all gutted, we respect his decision,” explained Higham who admitted his return to the club after a 15-year absence last season was largely down to Rowley and his vision of the club.

“He is a well liked guy who was more than just a coach. But you have got to think of yourself and family

“It was a shock and a lot of lads were devastated.

"He brought them on and built a good team so it’s really sad.

“But as much as we are all devastated I’ve told the lads ‘let’s stick together here and do it for ourselves and ‘Rolls’

“It’s a big test for us before the season starts and if we come through it, it will stand us in good stead for the rest of the year.

“I told him ‘you are a big part of why I came to this club and I am gutted to see you go.’

“I just hope he stays in the game in some capacity and if a job comes up I am sure his name will be linked.

“He has got some really good qualities as a coach.

"And I think he will be ready to make the step up to Super League.

“From what I’ve heard off other coaches he is up there, talent wise, with Super League coaches.

“He has served a good apprenticeship but I don’t think he’s in any rush.

“He is a bit of a relieved man because he has got some time on his hands, he can have a good think and spend some time with his family.

"He will come back stronger.”

*Assistant coach Paul Anderson must serve a four match touchline ban for verbally abusing a match commissioner after Leigh’s Middle 8’s defeat to Bradford at Leigh Sports Village last September. Anderson, who successfully appealed an original six game punishment, also received a £750 fine - £500 of it suspended until the end of the 2016.