JOHN Duffy faces former paymasters Featherstone on Sunday for the first time since leaving Leigh’s Betfred Championship rivals last year.

Four months ago, Duffy guided Rovers to a 42-10 Shield victory over Centurions-the final match of his tenure at the LD Nutrition Stadium.

Now, he aims to mastermind victory over successor, Australian Ryan Carr, and help Leigh bounce back from last weekend’s 33-26 defeat at Halifax.

“It will be a tough game against a quality side,” said Duffy.

“They look like they are playing tough, signed well in the off season and added in some good players from Leeds Rhinos.

“Nothing feels weird,” added Duffy of the impending clash.

“I met some good people at Fev who I keep in touch with on a regular basis.

“I got on with everyone while I was there so I am not sure how the fans might react.

“Things move on every year I have to concentrate all my energy on Leigh now.”

Duffy is certainly seeking a response after Centurions loss at Halifax.

“The players need to learn very quickly there are no easy fixtures in his league,” he added.

“You can’ take your foot off the gas or anything out of the norm during the week if you want to be successful.

“We have got to be on it every single week until the end of the season.

“It is shaping up to be a really good competition.”

Duffy’s only injury concern is dual registration, Saints back rower, Jack Ashworth who suffered a rib injury at the Shay.

“But there will be a replacement if he fails a fitness test.

“Saints tell us who is available each week and we pick from that,” said Duffy.

Rovers lost their opening Championship game 19-18 at newly promoted Bradford Bulls. But they bounced back to beat Batley 42-14 last weekend.

Like Leigh, Rovers’ squad includes two sets of brothers: Watson and Ase Boas plus Cameron and Daniel Smith.

Former Leigh, England and Great Britain prop Ryan Bailey has retired from rugby league, aged 34.

Bailey, who spent the bulk of his career at Leeds Rhinos, winning six Grand Finals, played 11 times for Centurions last year, scoring two tries.

“His last game was a 52-6 defeat at Dewsbury Rams on September 30.

Former Saints, Leigh, Swinton World Cup Winner Austin Rhodes has died.

Rhodes played at Leigh between 1962-65.