NEIL Jukes may eventually get his wish for a controversy free week but the events of this season so far suggest the Leigh boss must bunker down for a while longer yet.

At least the off field drama of Ryan Brierley’s future didn’t prevent the Centurions completing a third successive home win even if victory was again too close for comfort.

Cory Paterson’s first ever Leigh try settled a mistake and penalty strewn game after Eagles fought back from 26-10 and 28-16 down to tie the scores at 28-all with seven minutes remaining.

And Jukes was in no mood to forgive or forget after the events of the previous seven days when his honesty and integrity had been questioned.

Want away Brierley denied Leigh suggestions he told Jukes about an offer to play for Bradford until the end of the season but would stay with Leigh for £15,000.

“It was dealt professionally by myself but come Thursday it wasn’t dealt with professionally,” said Jukes.

“I was privy to the email (Brierley sent asking to invoke a controversial clause in his contract) and I dealt with it in the manner I was asked to by Ryan. I have had a good relationship with Ryan.

“I kept everything under the radar and on Thursday night it all got thrown back in my face. Whoever did that didn’t care one bit about our team.

“Every week we go through some kind of drama. Some people like drama, I don’t.

“We had a really good week and then Thursday night, it was a bombshell. It was a disgrace. If people don’t want to be here, that’s fine. I don’t care. They can move on.

“But people from outside who are making this place a pantomime, are not helping. These guys deserve better than that.”

Leigh’s build-up was further disrupted by Lee Smith’s bicep injury which meant a team re-shuffle 15 minutes from kick-off. Jonny Pownall switched to full-back with Eze Harper drafted onto the wing.

Centurions shrugged off the problems to lead 22-10 at half-time. Dayne Weston, Adam Higson, Mickey Higham and on loan debutant Lewis Charnock touched down with Martyn Ridyard, shrugging off a rib injury, to land three goals.

Reni Maitua increased the advantage with a 45th minute try while Ridyard’s 51st minute penalty made it 28-16.

But Eagles responded as Rob Worrincy and Quentin Laula Togagae grabbed their second tries of the game, both goaled by Michael Knowles, to leave the result hanging in the balance.

However, they were furious when referee Chris Kendall awarded a 76th minute penalty for markers not square in front of the home fans to allow Ridyard to regain Leigh’s lead.

And Paterson secured the win courtesy of Jake Emmitt’s superb off load.

Leigh: Pownall; Owen, Higson, Whiting, Harper; Ridyard, Charnock; Moimoi, Higham, Weston, Hansen, Hock, Paterson; subs: Spencer, Maitua, Emmitt; Foster (not used).

Tries: Weston (6), Higson (9), Higham (28), Charnock (40), Maitua (45), Paterson (80). Goals: Ridyard (6)

Eagles: Laula-Togagae; Worrincy, Yere, Tyson, Blackmore; Aston, Hewitt; Wheeldon, Carlile, Neal, Knowles, Straugheir, James; subs: Fozard, Stringer, Minchella, Mexico.

Tries: Worrincy (18, 71), Laula-Togagae (33, 73), Yere (51) Goals: Knowles (4)

Referee: Chris Kendall, Attendance: 3282.