KIERON Purtill has played down but not dismissed the prospect of joining Warrington Wolves’ back room staff next season.

The highly thought of Leigh Centurions head coach has been linked with a switch to The Halliwell Jones Stadium for 2019.

Purtill has previously been assistant coach at Super League sides St Helens and Huddersfield Giants.

“It is flattering to be linked to a good club like Warrington,” he said of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup finalists.

“They are having a fantastic season but I haven’t spoken to Steve Price.

“However, I am off contract in October and I haven’t got anything sorted for next year.

“With the situation the club finds itself in, there are other staff as well who are looking for jobs next year.

“A lot of players are looking to earn contracts next year as well.

“But for me with Warrington there is nothing concrete there,” added Purtill who has been tipped for a position with the Wolves’ Academy set-up.

Leigh return to action on Sunday and it’s a case of déjà vu for the visit of Sheffield Eagles in the Championship Shield.

The teams met less than a fortnight ago when Centurions came from 10-0 down to earn a convincing 34-10 victory to end the regular season.

“Sheffield were much improved from when we played them early on in the year,” said Purtill.

“They challenged us in the first half when we were just finding our way as a new group.

“We started quite shakily but in the second half got a grip and finished off really strongly.”

Leigh and Featherstone are nailed on to compete for the Championship Shield even before the first of seven fixtures.

The top two contest the final with the highest team having home advantage.

With points carried forward, no other sides can catch Leigh or Rovers who are already 16 points clear of nearest rivals Batley.

Centurions’ game at Rovers on Sunday, September 2 is likely to decide which club hosts the final.

“Hopefully, the fans who came last time against Sheffield will come out again on Sunday and give us the same fantastic backing,” said Purtill.

“It would be nice to finish off the season with a final at LSV. But we also want to keep our winning run going and end on a positive note.”

Purtill, who has recruited several local amateurs in case of injuries to bolster his 21-man squad, hinted at a couple of changes for the latest visit of Eagles.

Leigh’s remaining Shield fixtures are: Sunday, August 19 v Barrow (h), Sunday, September 2 v Featherstone (a), Sunday, September 9 v Swinton (h), Sunday, September 16 v Rochdale (a), Sunday, September 23 v Batley (h), Sunday, September 30 v Dewsbury (a).

Leigh's 19-man squad: Matty Dawson Jones, Rhys Evans, Ben Reynolds, Drew Hutchison, Kevin Larroyer, Liam Hood, Nathan Mason, Jack Owens, Greg Richards, Ricky Bailey, Jack Blagbrough, Ilias Bergal, Jordan Dezaria, Ryan Bailey, Micky Higham, Adam Walne, Josh Johnson, Will Dagger, Jordan Walne.