NEIL Jukes aims to celebrate his new improved contract deal with an early bonus in this weekend’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

Jukes, assistant boss Paul Anderson plus Strength and Conditioning coaches, Nathan Pennington and Paul Wood, have been awarded deals to see them through to November 2018.

Victory over Kingstone Press Championship rivals Workington at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday (kick-off 6pm), would be an ideal way to top off an excellent week for last season’s cup quarter-finalists, started by last Sunday’s comeback win at Halifax.

“We are respectful of the competition, what it means to the fans, the club, the players and us as staff, confirmed Jukes

“We have a good draw because we are at home.

“But we have got a difficult tie against Workington.

“I have got to be ultra respectful because they are a big side who will challenge us physically.

“So, I have got to get the balance right.

“But we have a squad of 22 or 23 players to pick from this week and it will be a tough decision who plays.”

Willie Tonga, Tom Armstrong and Andrew Dixon come into contention after missing all or most of the season with injuries.

“They are our three ‘new’ signings this week; three big shots in the arm for the club,” laughed Jukes.

“I can’t wait to get them back.”

Part of the club’s coaching staff since 2009, Jukes had a baptism of fire after promotion to the main job after Paul Rowley’s eve of season shock departure.

But after an opening day loss at Batley, Centurions are unbeaten in five games and keen to avoid anymore off-field upheaval.

Confirming Jukes’ deal, club owner Derek Beaumont: “Neil is a great bloke and is really easy to work with.

“I have seen first-hand his knowledge and ability over the last two years so didn’t doubt that.

“What I have been really impressed with are his management skills and his honesty to his principles in dealing with situations.

“The way he has dealt with the past few weeks was what has left me in no doubt he is the man for the job.

“He is likeable, fun and friendly and has the complete respect and support of the boys and his back room team which I think is evident by the way they have ground out the results for him. ?

“Whilst his role has been hard so far it will become hard in a different manner now as we start to get our injured players back and pressure builds on team selection and rotation.

“I would like to thank Neil his staff and all the players for their efforts for the club during that difficult period.

“The sun is now shining and we are in a good place to focus on continuing our journey to achieve our ultimate goal.”

On his welcome deal Jukes enthused: “The potential here is even greater for us to go on and achieve great things.

“If you turn up each day and work hard with a smile on your face you have a chance to succeed in whatever job you are doing.

“That’s something we all do at this Club and we are a really happy, committed and determined group with a real family feel.”

n Matthew Chantler, 30, previously acting as Leigh’s legal advisor, has succeeded Allan Rowley as the club’s new chief executive.