JOHN Duffy’s days as a Championship head coach could be numbered as a decision on the club’s future status is expected next week.

But Duffy knows the pain of rejection and hopes to avoid a similar feeling when a seven-panel man delivers its verdict on Centurions’ Super League application, possibly as early as Monday. (December 14).

Leigh have submitted a 430-page document in support of their bid and are releasing sections on a daily basis via the club’s website.

Now, they await the outcome of the panel’s deliberations together with rival bidders: Bradford, Featherstone, London Broncos, Toulouse and York.

“I have been on the wrong end of not getting where you want to go,” said Duffy who, in 2008, was a Widnes player when the Vikings lost out to Wakefield and Crusaders in their bid for a three-year Super League licence.

“It wasn’t a very good day. So, we are prepared for every decision at the club.

“Hopefully though our bid does us justice and we get that spot.

“People can see how much work has gone into it and how much attention to detail there is in the document.

“From Derek and the Board down, everyone has done a phenomenal job in putting our best foot forward. We are ‘SuperLeagueReady’” added Duffy.

That includes a welcome return to twice weekly training, under Super League protocols, set by the RFL, for 14 of his new look squad.

“It has been great to be around the place again,” added Duffy, looking to add three more players before a new season kicks-off next year.

“Obviously, we haven’t done any contact stuff but the boys have at least a ball back in their hands again along with some weights sessions.

“Derek has spoken at length to the players about the bid.

“They went out of the room excited but knowing that we still might not get in.”

Owner Derek Beaumont said: “We discussed how nothing changes for us.

“There is no uncertainty; we go as we are and we will not perceive the application being unsuccessful as a negative, or a failure as it didn’t exist at the time we assembled this squad.

“If anything comes of it, then it will be a very welcomed bonus and one we will grasp with both hands.

One player who isn’t part of Leigh’s future is Gregg McNally. He has ended his second stint with Centurions and re-joined home town club, Whitehaven on a one-year deal for 2021.

Meanwhile, Duffy has praised the fund-raising exploits of marathon man Kevin Sinfield.

The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain ran seven, sub four-hour marathons in seven days and raised more than £2 million for former team mate Rob Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“He should be knighted for what he has done-what a person,” said Duffy. “You don’t get his kind out of the tin every day. He is superhuman.”

*Newcastle, Barrow, Doncaster, Rochdale and Workington are bidding to move up into the Championship for 2021 to replace the successfully promoted second tier side into Super League.