KIERON Purtill has offered a mixed reaction to rugby league’s new structure to be implemented from 2019 onwards.

Leigh’s head coach has welcomed retention of promotion and relegation between Super League and the Championship.

But he’s questioned the decision making needed to arrive at a 14- team second tier.

It remains to be seen, however, the strength of Leigh’s challenge for next season with the club’s future still up in the air.

Sunday’s Championship Shield against Batley Bulldogs is likely to be Centurions’ final home game of 2018 at the Leigh Sports Village with Featherstone Rovers still favourites to host next month’s Shield final.

“I don’t think there is a 100 percent fair system,” said Purtill.

“But the one up one down between Super League and the Championship is good.

“How they are doing it with the play-offs, means you still have an opportunity if you finish fifth.

“It’s probably not particularly fair on the team who finishes on top of the pile and have been the most consistent side all year.

“And I don’t think the way they are getting to 14 teams is great.

“I don’t see what the problem was with just saying no one gets relegated (between the Championship and League One) and two teams come up.

“I think it could have been done a smarter way. But hopefully now we have an end to that process and we all know where we are going so the game can kick on in the next few years.”

Forwards Adam Walne and Greg Richards are doubtful for the visit of the Bulldogs having been injured in Leigh’s 24-16 win at Rochdale.

“We have some bumps and bruises but probably no different to any other group at this time of year,” added Purtill.

Sunday’s meeting against the Bulldogs (kick-off 3pm) will be the fourth meeting of the sides this season.

A 34-6 victory back in February was the only one of Leigh’s first six games that didn’t end in defeat.

And an 8-4 Challenge Cup win at icy Mount Pleasant on March 18 was the first for Kieron Purtill after replacing Neil Jukes. Leigh returned to Batley on July 8 and won 30-12

Leigh fans are reminded Sunday’s game is all pay so everyone needs a ticket.

*No Leigh personnel feature in the annual Championship end of season awards to be announced in Manchester on Tuesday, September 25.

Toronto’s ex Centurions boss Paul Rowley has also been overlooked in the Championship coach of the season shortlist which features: Danny Ward (London Broncos), Richard Marshall (Halifax) and Sylvain Houles (Toulouse).

Up for Championship player of the year are: Luke Briscoe (Featherstone), Scott Murrell (Halifax), Mark Kheirallah (Toulouse) and Johnathon Ford (Toulouse)