LEIGH Centurions did not play last weekend, given it was a Challenge Cup weekend - but they return to action at Sunday’s Blackpool Bash.

After a gruelling Easter and its aftermath, coach John Duffy says the break couldn’t have happened at a better time for the squad.

Injuries have meant the squad being stretched, with players having to fill in in other positions.

The rest - or absence of game time bumps and bruises - will have given them good recovery time.

“We just needed it,” he said.

“But it’s a credit to the team we are still picking up wins.

“The senior players and leaders have really stood up over the few weeks where we have had injuries and players playing out of position.

“We are at halfway and probably a bit further on then where we thought would be.

“But we can’t rest where we are.

“We have to keep building and make ourselves better.”

However, Jonny Pownall won’t play again this season as he awaits surgery on an injury sustained in victory over Dewsbury Rams on April 22.

“Jonny has been a standout in our squad in the first half of the season so I am gutted for him and he is gutted as well,” said Duffy.

“He has really bought into the club since he came back.

“Hopefully he will have a good rehab and come back stronger.”

Leigh’s game with Widnes kicks off at 5.30pm.