LEIGH Centurions have booked an early test of their potential Super League credentials with a ‘Battle of the Borough’ home showdown against Grand Final runners-up Wigan on January 17 (kick-off 3pm).

Winger Liam Kay’s hat-trick earned Paul Rowley’s men an 18-14 victory when the sides met at Leigh Sports Village back in January.

Now Shaun Wane’s Super League side, still smarting from its Old Trafford defeat to Leeds Rhinos, return seeking revenge.

For Leigh fans, it will be a first chance to catch new signings: Cory Paterson, Dayne Weston, Reni Maitua and ex-Wigan favourite, Harrison Hansen, in action.

However, there will be no first appearance back in Cherry and White for Sam Tomkins after cutting short his NRL adventure. The former Man of Steel is sidelined until Easter with knee surgery.

Centurions’ Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont is thrilled by the prospect of Wigan’s visit.

“We can look to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the game,” he says.

“We have consistently seen Wigan produce endless talent which in the past some have mistakenly referred to as reserve sides.

“Their strength in depth is outstanding and the way George Williams completed the season culminating in representing his country in the test series is testament to that.

"We were encouraged by our good start to last season with good performances in the warm up games and I am sure ‘Rolls’ will aim to get a good look at how our new recruits settle into our structures and gel as a team.

“We have a much smaller squad this season so it is a great opportunity for our fans to get their first opportunity to see our new signings in a Leigh Centurions jersey.

“Shaun Wane always represents Wigan with a tough, uncompromising team and it will be a tough start to our campaign but one I know the lads will look forward to as much as the spectators.”

Wigan fans have been allocated the South Stand at LSV with home supporters occupying the North and West stands. Leigh confirm this is an all pay fixture though season ticket holders have until 5pm on December 5 to secure their usual seat.

*Leigh fans are reminded they can meet their new players plus Beaumont and Rowley on December 1 at a Question and Answer evening. Tickets are now available priced at £10.

*Kurt Haggerty, 26 and after 55 appearances has joined Championship rivals Bradford Bulls after becoming a free agent.

“With the current squad assembled from my increased funding we have a large number of players who can cover the same area and the coach must be a realist and look at the level of opportunities for players,” explained Beaumont.

“Having done that you have to question if you are being fair to a player if they are in their final year of contract and are not in your forward plans, by keeping them and in turn loaning or dual registering them to other clubs.

“I think the braver, more honest decision is to front that up and enable the player to have control over his own immediate future where he can find a suitable role that gets him consistent rugby and a worthwhile career to build on going forward.”