CHRIS Chester is relishing Leigh’s return to competitive action next month when Leopards provide the opposition for Warrington in Joe Philbin’s Testimonial.

But Director of Rugby Chester hopes to avoid repeating the drama that overshadowed last year’s pre-season game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Prop Tom Amone was charged but later found not guilty of the Grade F offence of using unacceptable language during Ben Currie’s Testimonial But the second half flashpoint led to then Wolves forward Josh McGuire collecting a seven game ban for the same offence.

“We will get a good hit out; we got a really good hit out against them last year,” recalled Chester.

“It was a pretty tasty friendly,” he added. “But we always want to avoid being pulled in front of the disciplinary.

“It’s never nice to get those phone calls from Paul Cullen on a Monday morning. So, we must make sure we are disciplined on and off the field.”

The February 3 meeting won’t, however, be the first for Sam Burgess as Wolves’ head coach as Warrington host Widnes on January 26.

Leigh though will resist temptation to slot in another warm-up fixture. “We might get some opposed sessions in with other clubs in and around this month,” explained Chester. “But we are happy with the one friendly.

“It is the best scenario for us 11-12 days out before our first Super League game against Huddersfield.”

Chester has described Warrington’s decision to bring in Burgess as “a great appointment.”

He added: “To see someone like Sam-a fellow Yorkshireman- do well, would be great for the game.

“That said, I don’t know Sam that well though I played against him regularly. He was probably the best English player to play here and in the NRL for many years.”

After pre-season spent training in the wet and cold on 4G surfaces, Adrian Lam’s squad has enjoyed the luxury of a warm weather camp in Lanzarote.

“We have come through without any kind of soft tissue injuries which are always the worry when you train on those kinds of surfaces,” explained Chester.

“We didn’t have a great deal of time before Christmas to bring the group together. This camp has been a good opportunity for people to get to know each other on and off the field.

“It is important they have those relationships on the field but even more so get the relationship off the field as well.”

Chester has been impressed by Matt Moylan’s contributions since the Australian’s arrival from Cronulla Sharks.

“Matt is a calm individual around the group. He leads with his actions and is a very good communicator. You can see he is going to be class for us.”

Owner Derek Beaumont previously confirmed Leigh’s pursuit of Tristan Sailor ended in disappointment. But Chester says: “I will be very happy if we go into the season with this squad.”