PAUL Rowley says his Centurions players are mentally prepared to do battle at Dewsbury.

The Leigh coach is ready for what he expects will be one of the toughest encounters of the season against a side riding high in fourth place in the Kingstone Press Championship table.

The Rams go into the fixture on the back of good wins at London Broncos and Doncaster and will be eager to bounce back from defeat to second-placed Bradford Bulls in their last home game.

Centurions, however, remain top after extending their record run of victories to 22 following a stunning 56-8 win against Batley Bulldogs.

“The key to playing Dewsbury is that you’ve got to be mentally prepared, you’ve got to be expecting a battle," said Rowley.

"Without it you are going to get bullied and it’s our chance to show that mentally, we are on our game."

Dewsbury have bolstered their ranks in recent weeks with experienced top tier pros Brett Seymour and Paul Jackson.

And Rowley says their introduction, combined with a narrow pitch at the Tetleys Stadium, will provide what could be a season-defining test for his Centurions side.

“There are none more tough than this week's game," he said.

"It was one of the toughest last season and the toughest the year before.

"The theme is generally these games can make your season when you go to a place like Dewsbury because you are never gifted a win, ever.

“It’s always very physical, very difficult.

"The pitch is narrow and they recruit accordingly – Brett is a proven NRL player and Paul Jackson has spent more than 10 years in Super League,

"So it’s one of those places where it is very difficult to win.

"There are quite a few of those in the Championship. Dewsbury just about tops it off and it’s no coincidence.

"It’s not a record they will be happy to relinquish.

“Their win against London was a great result and they only just lost against Bradford where they didn’t get the rub of the green – they were unlucky not to get a victory or something out of that game."

The Centurions coach is also fully aware of the potential to pull away from the chasing pack if they can carry on their record winning run.

A 23rd straight victory would see them open up a 10-point gap over Dewsbury, while the Bulls lock horns with third-placed Sheffield, meaning one of their main rivals for the title will drop points.

And it is that, rather than extending the record, that motivates Rowley and his players to strive for another win ahead of the weekend's fixtures.

"(The record) never gets mentioned, to be honest,” he said.

“I don’t know why, it’s a bit strange really but as I’ve said before, we take each game as it comes, If that means breaking and setting records along the way; that’s a bonus.

"But it’s a good weekend (to look forward to) – second versus third and fourth versus first."

Leigh’s reserve side are in action tonight at Ledgard Avenue against Sheffield, kick off 7.45pm.

Last season both teams fought out an interesting Grand Final and so far this term Paul Anderson’s young side have won their opening two fixtures. Admission is £2 for adults, £1 for concessions.