READY and waiting is the message to Betfred Super League champions, Wigan Warriors, ahead of Leigh’s Battle of the Borough clash at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

For the first time in four months, since regaining their place among the game’s elite, Centurions return to action for Warriors’ hooker, Michael McIlorum’s Testimonial.

They are also seeking a third successive win in this fixture after an 18-14 win in 2015 and 26-20 triumph 12 months ago.

“Our camp has had a different feel about it this week,” confirmed coach Neil Jukes.

“The boys have gone through a lot of hard work but now they want to get out and play.

“There is a bounce in everyone’s step so I can’t wait to see how everyone steps up. There is no better test than getting them under fatigue and see how they respond.”

Jukes has selected a 23-strong squad for the first of Leigh’s two friendlies before their Super League opener at Castleford on February 10.

“It’s been good not having a game up to this period due to the amount of changes we have had to the roster this year,” he said.

“But now we are ready for a big challenge and they don’t come much bigger than Wigan.

“They are the reigning Super League champions so it’s a great test for us.

“Everyone will get a good run, some more than others, and each individual has something to strive for.

“I am not sure what team Wigan will be sending out but it is always a good team.

“And with it being Micky’s testimonial, I know he is well respected and well liked in their camp, so I am sure they will want to give a dig for him as well.”

Half back Martyn Ridyard is a major doubt to face the Warriors after tweaking his hamstring during the club’s warm weather training camp to Lanzarote.

Two players who won’t feature are youngsters Lewis Foster and Dave Thompson. They are the first players to join Sheffield Eagles since the dual registration agreement has been arranged with the Championship club.

The pair are expected to feature for the Eagles at Doncaster on Sunday but will turn out for Leigh against Dewsbury on January 29.

Leigh have been linked with Aussie Lachlan Burr, one of the Bradford players faced with an uncertain future despite the new phoenix club getting the green light to play in this season’s Championship.

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the death of Bob Shuttleworth, an integral part of the club’s fund-raising committee for many years.

Meanwhile former Leigh player Brian Howard passed away last week, aged 83, after a long illness.

Howard joined Leigh in 1959 from his hometown club St Helens and made 79 appearances over the course of the next three seasons, scoring 15 tries.

He retrospectively earned Heritage Number 684 when Leigh Centurions unveiled their Heritage Project in 2014.

A talented, creative and industrious centre or stand-off, he made 131 appearances for Saints, scoring 58 tries, between 1952 and 1959. He played a starring role in Saints’ 1956 Challenge Cup Final victory over Halifax at Wembley, creating a memorable try for Frank Carlton.