HEAD coach Paul Rowley is not expecting a re-run of Centurions’ infamous clash with Halifax last season that saw Leigh’s Sam Barlow spend a night in hospital and earned opposition second rower Dane Manning a 10-match ban.

The two top-four regulars clash this week at Leigh Sports Village for the second time this season after Leigh won the reverse fixture 18-6.

“I think Halifax have a different mentality than they did last year,” said Rowley of Richard Marshall’s side. “I think the game at the Shay showed that.”

A former front row team-mate of Rowley, Marshall has overseen an up-and-down start to the season from his charges, winning six of their opening 11 fixtures.

Crucially, Fax have kept in touch with the top four and appear well placed to challenge for a spot in the Super League qualifiers along with Featherstone, London Broncos and Dewsbury in the second half of the season.

Halifax racked up a 40-6 victory over Doncaster in their last outing, with James Saltonstall scoring two of their eight tries.

Rowley added: “We are both optimistic and progressive clubs and are there to play rugby.”

The Centurions edged to a 32-28 victory at Dewsbury, extending their winning run to 23 games.

But Rowley admits his players were hanging on at the finish and has given them a break to recharge their batteries ahead of the Halifax match.

“We’ve been on the ceiling for quite a few weeks now and I don’t think any sporting organisation can maintain that forever,” said the Centurions head coach, referring to the club’s record-breaking sequence of victories that started last July and has seen them win last year’s Championship and climb to the top of the table this campaign.

“We as a staff were aware of it and as a result, we knew it was going to be a tough battle (at Dewsbury).

“It is always tough at Dewsbury, but we knew our task was more difficult because of mental fatigue.

“So we have allowed the lads a couple of days off to go and refresh mentally, before we play Halifax.

“We should be rejuvenated and re-motivated to kick on.

“On the Dewsbury game itself, we probably haven’t played as poorly – in attack or defence – but we showed when we wanted too that we could score.

“The ability to win games is still there, which is really pleasing, and it showed the desire to dig a win out of nothing, really.”

Leigh expect to have Tongan powerhouse Fuifui Moimoi returning this weekend following a four-game injury lay-off while Tom Armstrong should return from suspension.

Meanwhile, Paul Anderson’s reserve side take on Dewsbury at Tetleys Stadium tonight fresh from a 38-16 defeat of Sheffield Eagles that saw Jack Hansen claim the limelight with two sparkling tries.

Leigh are also advertising their 2015 golf day, which takes place on Tuesday, June 16 at Houghwood Golf Club on Billinge Hill.

Four-ball teams are available for £250, with further information available from Allan Rowley on 01942 487887.

Director of rugby Derek Beaumont has pledged £2,000 to a fund to support the family of Keighley player Danny Jones, who collapsed and died while playing against London Skolars. Leigh stand-off Ryan Brierley also donated his win bonus.