LEIGH are thought to have fought off last minute competition from Huddersfield Giants to snap-up Lee Smith, 29, on a two-year deal.

The ex-Leeds and Wakefield utility back had been expected to join Hull after spending pre season on Humberside.

“The offer we made him would have been underpaying him for the quality he is,” admitted FC chief, Lee Radford.

Full-back Gregg McNally’s six months on the side lines with knee trouble hastened the search for a replacement.

“What it does, it will help our back line for competition,” added Jukes.

“It frees up Rangi Chase and give us three pivots.

“So they (Chase, Ryan Brierley and Martyn Ridyard) are playing for two spots. It is good competition to have which is something we’ve not had over the past year.

“Somebody will probably be upset this Sunday but we’ve got to make sure we do what is right for the team and give players the opportunities.

“Now it’s up to the players to take those opportunities.

“We have got to keep moving forward.”

Smith added: “I’ve obviously played at Leigh Sports Village before but I didn’t realise what fantastic facilities there are behind the scenes. They are a Super League club ready to go up.”

Leigh’s last win was a 52-16 Middle 8s stroll against Sheffield Eagles on September 6.

“There will be a lot of people who will dissect the Batley result and talk about where we should be,” said Jukes.

“The reality is we have won two games out of our last 10.

“We are a good team when we play well; when we don’t we will get beaten. There are too many good teams in this division and I have seen it happen too often.”

Jukes is hopeful McNally can still play a major part in Centurions season.

“The initial forecast was he’s be out for six months.

“Give or take a week here and there, he could be back for the Middle 8s, it depends on how hard he works on his recovery. But he’s a good lad and getting the best of treatment form the medical lads.”