CLUB bosses, players and politicians are calling on the people of Leigh to turn up in their droves on Saturday and cheer the Centurions on to victory in one of the most important games in their history.

Leigh host Catalans Dragons in the Million Pound Game with Super League survival at stake.

The Centurions secured home advantage with an impressive 41-4 victory at London Broncos on Friday and confidence is high going into what is a momentous occasion for both the club and the town.

Matthew Chantler, the Centurions’ chief executive officer, said: “The game is phenomenally important for the club and the town.

“Taking into account financial factors such as sponsorship deals, I would say it could potentially be a £2 million game rather than a £1 million one.

“It is great for the town being in the top league, including local businesses.

“We have spoken to many of them and they see the benefits of Leigh being a Super League team.

“It puts Leigh on the map.

“Going forward we want a full stadium with the best players in Super League, but we must first concentrate on getting that vital win on Saturday.”

Club owner Derek Beaumont added: “Having a Super League club is the focal point of the town.

“We have a lot of supermarkets and a cinema now and Saturday’s game is huge for the club and the town.”

Captain Micky Higham is appealing for fans of his hometown club to help slay the Dragons by creating a cauldron of noise at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

He said: “If you have any friends bring them all along and let’s get this place rocking and make it a fortress.

“We can be a force to be reckoned with on our day.

“We can do the job and keep the club up to repay the fans for turning up every week and paying their hard-earned money.”

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, honorary vice president of the Centurions, is urging the people of Leigh to fill the stadium to capacity and the players to rise to the occasions.

“It is a massive game for the club,” he said.

“I call on the whole town to get behind the team and it would be great to see all four sides of the Leigh Sports Village full.

“We have to make home advantage count and make it as tough as possible for Catalans Dragons.

“We cannot make them feel welcome.

“With the game being played in Leigh I think it is in our own hands.

“I am going to be there to support them and I hope everyone brings a friend with them on the day too.

“It is really important for the team to stay in Super League because being in the top league benefits the town on all levels.”

His successor as MP for Leigh Jo Platt said: “The Centurions have worked so hard this season and I am immensely proud of them.

“Although some important results have not gone our way we must not underestimate the huge role the team plays in raising the profile of Leigh both on the field and off it and I thank them for the work they do in our community.

“On Saturday they play to stay in Super League. It is a game of huge significance to the team and the whole community.

“I am looking forward to a great game and a huge win for our Centurions and Leigh.”

To buy tickets for the Million Pound Game call into Leigh Sports Village's ticket office, visit leighsportsvillage.co.uk/tickets or contact 01942 487888.