Aussie powerhouse Dayne Weston could miss the start of Leigh’s long awaited return to Super League.

Centurions’ players’ player and coaches’ player of the year will shortly undergo ankle surgery.

“We will be up against the clock to try and get him right for the start of the season,” says coach Neil Jukes.

"But he wont be far off.”

The former Melbourne forward proved a revelation last season after arriving on a two-year deal.

“It was a bit of a gamble-a gamble for him and a gamble for us,” added Jukes.

“But it paid off. We will be looking to get as much out of him again next season.”

Fellow pack star, Cory Paterson, who missed the final Middle 8’s game at Leeds, has already had surgery to repair a thumb issue.

As predicted in last week’s Journal, the club has confirmed the signings of James Green from Hull KR and St Helens’ Atelea Vea.

Leigh are now believed to be keen on signing Ryan Hampshire from Wigan while Niall Evalds, Salford’s two try hero of their Million Pounds Game win over Hull KR, is another potential target. Both have the versatility Jukes is keen to add to his squad for next year’s assault on the top flight.

‘Rocky’ Hampshire has returned to Wigan after finishing last season on loan at Castleford Tigers. “There are a couple more spots to be filled so we can finalise the squad,” added Jukes.

“Ryan is a player who can fill many positions and it is great we can be linked with these type of players. But there has been nothing done with him yet.”

On his latest acquisitions Jukes says: “James s a big boy who we believe can still get better.

“He has played a lot of Super League games and comes with a lot of experience. We are confident we can grow him as a person and as a player.

“’Tils’ (Vea) is a good guy which came out in abundance when I met him. He has played in the Middles this year which he classes a bit out of position. But he rolled up his sleeves and got the job done.

“He will look to get back on that edge and that’s where we will look to give him that opportunity. Certainly looking at his performances he is suited better to the back row “But performances will dictate when he plays and he will be no different to anyone else.”

Former Leigh favourite Ryan Brierley is a surprise inclusion in Steve McComack’s Scotland squad for this month’s Four Nations.

The Huddersfield Giants back is joined by Centurions hooker, Liam Hood, plus Wigan Grand Final winner, Lewis Tierney-another Bravehearts’ new boy.

Leigh full-back Gregg McNally is included in Mark Aston’s Ireland squad for the Wolfhounds’ World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Russia.

England’s Four Nations’ squad was surprising by the lack of NRL wildcards initially predicted after Wayne Bennett’s appointment as coach.

“I think England will do well and it wouldn’t surprise me if we went all the way,” said Jukes. “It shows you the quality in the squad when the likes of Zak Hardaker isn’t picked.

“People have raised questions about our edges but with the likes of McGillvary, Hall, Watkins and Ratchford, there are some brilliant outside backs at the moment. So, I don’t think they will be a million miles away.”