GREGG McNally is happy to put a lid on expectation until its mission accomplished for Leigh’s unbeaten Middle 8s squad.

With three wins from three going into a mini break for Wembley weekend, Neil Jukes’ Centurions couldn’t be better placed in their quest for Super League.

But full-back McNally, 25, knows the job remains half finished despite a hard fought 30-18 victory at Featherstone last Sunday.

And he urges team mates to cut out late lapses in concentration that has taken the gloss off recent wins.

“If someone had given us three from three at the start of the year, we would have snapped their hands off,” agrees McNally

“But it means nothing if we don’t win any games from now on. We need to keep winning to get in that million-pound game or even better win automatic promotion if we can.”

Leigh were indebted to Gareth Hock’s late try to finally ensure victory after Rovers recovered from 22-8 down to trail 22-18 with 10 minutes left.

London Broncos plundered 22 points in six minutes in the opening Middle 8’s fixture while Salford rallied from 32-16 down to trail 32-26 when the final hooter sounded.

“It was déjà vu from the last couple of games,” agreed McNally.

“I thought when Micky Higham scored that was it. But they came back in and it got exciting again.

“We seem to have a 10-15 minutes’ spell after every game.

“It was usually after half time but we can’t afford to do that against Hull KR and Huddersfield because teams will come and sting us.”

McNally’s latest appearance against Rovers was only his fifth of the campaign because of early season knee surgery.

But despite his previous frustration the former Whitehaven and Huddersfield player reckons everything is turning out for the better.

“I feel good and fresh which is a contrast to last season. Coming into the Middle 8s I felt a bit drained. I think everyone did.

“Now, I feel like a new player. The knee feels good, the body feels good and if I keep playing well, hopefully ‘Jukesy’ will keep picking me. But just look at the players sat in the stand. We had seven players who could get into any team and it shows the strength in depth we have.”

Leigh resume their assault on the Middle 8s at Hull KR on September 3.

“It is a good break for us and has come at the right time,” agreed coach Neil Jukes.

“Our next two games are against Super League sides and if we can get something off Hull KR and Huddersfield we will be in an incredible position. For us, we knew it would be a huge two points if we could get the win at Featherstone.

“I am sure we will sit back after rounds six or seven and realise how important those two points were.

“We asked for effort and also a performance.

“We got the first but not the second and it wasn’t up to our usual standard. But you couldn’t question their will to win the game.”

Harrison Hansen has been cleared for action when Leigh resume their Middle 8s campaign.

Centurions’ vice captain feared a maximum three game ban after being charged with a grade C dangerous throw against Featherstone. But Hansen escaped punishment after the RFL’s disciplinary panel accepted his not guilty plea.

*Leigh’s ‘end of season awards’ presentation takes place at Leigh Sports Village tonight. (Thursday).