MILESTONE man Micky Higham says there’s no better time for Leigh to start winning again than Friday’s end of season regular home clash with Salford Red Devils.

Evergreen Higham’s 500th career appearance ended in a 26-4 defeat at Huddersfield Giants last Friday.

Centurions head towards the Middle 8s in a wretched run of form having lost 15 of their last 17 Super League and Challenge Cup ties.

And Higham delivered an honest assessment of his home town team’s situation after an emotional night at the John Smith’s Stadium and pre game tributes to celebrate his landmark outing.

“The main job for me was trying to get us two points and some form leading into these Eights,” said the 36-year-old hooker.

“Our effort was there and we tried in places.

“But we got out juiced through the middle.

“We did show improvement from the previous week at Warrington.

“But when you are only getting over for one try in a game of rugby it is not enough.

“We have to pose more questions because our energy levels are being zapped from doing too much defending.

“And our discipline is an issue.

“We are conceding too many penalties and it is killing us.

“You can’t do it against good teams.

“We keep saying we have got to learn and move on.

“But games are running out now. We need to finish with a good performance at home.”

Visitors Salford have lost five of their last six Super League fixtures and have a Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan on the horizon.

Leigh, however, face a different challenge.

They know six of their Middle 8’s opponents: Warrington, Catalans, Widnes, Hull KR, London Broncos and Featherstone.

The final spot between Halifax or Toulouse will be determined by this weekend’s Championship games.

“We have got to get ourselves up for it,” added Higham, hinting he may extend his playing career beyond the current season.

“There are teams in the Championship in good form ready to get some Super League scalps.

“It’s going to be a tough gig and one we will relish.

But we have got to start getting wins.

“I am confident though we can come out the right side and so it will be job done.”

*With Dayne Weston retired and Jamie Acton banned, Leigh have turned to St Helens’ 2014 Grand Final winner, Greg Richards.

The Cumbrian born forward, who has recently been on loan at Sheffield Eagles, has signed a deal to keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

“Greg has really bought into our vision and what we want to achieve,” says coach Neil Jukes.

“He sees the opportunities that are in front of us but first of all wants to be part of achieving our goals of maintaining our Super League status.

“Greg will add competition and energy to the middles and he has shown he can do it at the highest level.”

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “Greg is a big lad with a lot of experience for his age and will help stiffen up the middle, giving Jukesy a bit more to choose from.”