Millward points to attitude as the key (From Leigh Journal)

Millward points to attitude as the key

4:27pm Thursday 11th August 2011 in Centurions By David Parkinson

CENTURIONS will be aiming to make it nine wins in a row when a York City Knights side that are fighting for their Championship lives visit the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

Ian Millward wants his men to build on recent performances, including the one that ended Widnes Vikings’ seven-match unbeaten run at the weekend.

“I’d like us to come to the game with the same attitude we’ve been turning up with,” he said.

“We’d like to score as many tries as we can, too. I think this game will be good for the fans.”

The 24-18 victory at the Stobart Stadium included Leigh striking from 18-12 down at half time and Millward said: “I thought the boys played really tough.

“They went blow for blow. I think everyone is proud of them.

“We didn’t concede a point in the second half, which I was really pleased about.

“Defence is not only about structures, it’s about the attitude of the team and individuals.

“They are working very hard for each other, which is another reason, and they are just staying on top of everything they are supposed to do.”

Leigh can pick from a position of strength for Sunday’s game.

“We picked up knocks, as you do every game, but what we didn’t do is pick any major injuries up,” said Millward.

“I’d like to go pretty close to naming the same 17 that played against Widnes. The only thing is that Sam Hopkins and Adam Higson are playing very well and I need to think about how I can bring them into the team.

“It’s very hard to move anyone because they are all playing well and enjoying it.”

Despite success on the field, Millward pointed towards the bigger picture resulting from this season’s behind-the-scenes difficulties.

“I think what everyone has got to understand is that as much as the team is winning and playing extremely well, we still need more people coming to the games,” he said.

“There is no white knight out there so everyone has to keep working hard, just as much as the players are on the field.

“It’s really important we don’t think that because the team is winning, that everything is all right.

“We still need the support and we still need as many people involved. It's vital for us.

“And what better time to go to games? The guys have done the town proud, they’ve done anyone associated with any rugby league team in the borough proud, their attitude is great and the players love the support off the fans, who are being more vocal every week and we just need to continue to build that.

“Keep in mind, too, that some of our players only play for win payments.

“We still have a lot of hard work to do in regard to generating more finances. Every club has to adjust to their income and ambition. Leigh have a big ambition and we need to increase our income.”

After the York game, the team will take part in LISA play ‘Past Forward’ at Leigh Miners’ Twist Lane venue to .

Millward said: “It gives everyone involved a bit of different interaction, both players and fans.”

Admission is £5 adults, £2 concessions with all money raised going to LISA funds.