JOHN Duffy faces a half back dilemma ahead of Leigh’s Good Friday clash with Warrington at the Totally Wicked Stadium (kick-off 12.45pm).

And the Centurions head coach is looking at all options, including recruitment, to ensure his side doesn’t lack quality in this key area so early in their Super League campaign.

Duffy says Joe Mellor “might not pull through” to face Warrington as Leigh bid for a first regular season Super League win since July 2017.

And Jamie Ellis, while not needing surgery, could miss upto two months after hurting his knee in the 34-12 defeat by Wolves in Chris Hill’s Testimonial a fortnight ago.

“Joe played injured last week (against Wigan) but had a good stint out there,” said Duffy. “But we may have to change the halves.

“I know Ryan Brierley can push up there but he has trained really well for us at full-back in pre-season. So, I don’t want to disturb that too much.

“We have seen the quality in the halves at other clubs so we have got to make sure we are looking around to see if there is some quality to bring in.”

Duffy will make changes to the side unluckily beaten 20-18 by Wigan at Headingley last Friday.

On loan St Helens youngster Matty Foster is recovering after suffering a double fracture of his jaw in collision with Morgan Smithies but Iain Thornley has recovered from a minor leg issue.

Proud of his squad’s effort and commitment against last season’s beaten Grand Finalists, Duffy was more critical of Leigh’s game management.

“Wigan didn’t get bored of doing the boring things when they got in front,” he said. “So, we learned a lot going into another big game.

“If we had managed the game better our energy would have been better towards the end.”

Centurions won’t have to worry about facing Greg Inglis with Wire boss Steve Price confirming the Aussie superstar is “very close” but not ready for Easter action.

However, England star Gareth Widdop was Warrington’s star man in the recent friendly. “We have got to make sure we are better in our D process so we can get up and put more pressure on Gareth,” confirmed Duffy. “He has shone this pre-season and was superb last weekend again so we will have to make sure we do a number on him.

“We got towelled a few weeks ago when Warrington threw the play book at us. They will throw more than Wigan threw at us but our lads will be full of energy.”

Price, whose side lost 21-12 at Castleford last weekend, added: “Leigh were really competitive and unlucky not to get the result (against Wigan).

“They have a strong back five who carry the ball really well and two front rowers in Sidlow and Peteru who like to play a bit of footie as well.

“Their hooker (Liam Hood) is also competitive and so we are expecting a tough game.”

Leigh have been drawn at home to Huddersfield Giants in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup. The tie will take on Sunday, April 11 with a 2.30pm kick-off-Leigh’s first game at the LSV since March 8, 2020.

“We are happy with the draw even though it will be another big test for us,” said Duffy. “They have a new coach in Ian Watson and a good squad.

“So, it will be a great test leading into the week after at Castleford.”