JOHN Duffy can’t wait to see familiar faces back at Leigh Sports Village for Monday’s Betfred Super League derby with Wigan- and he is not just thinking about the fans.

Centurions will play in front of their own supporters for the first time since beating Halifax in a Championship game on March 8, 2020.

And their chances of winning a first top flight game in four years could also be boosted by the return of two key players after knee injuries.

Half backs Jamie Ellis and Australian newcomer, Brendan Elliot are in line to face last season’s Grand Final runners-up; the latter poised for a possible debut since his move from Manly.

Coupled with the backing of a partisan crowd, Duffy hopes his players can use the double boost to maximum effect.

“Having fans in the stadium is going to be brilliant for us,” he said “I have seen a few of them while we have been off and though we have not been getting the results they are made up they can come and watch a game again.

“But we are made up for them because we have missed them as well.

“If you are sat in your armchair watching it on TV you want to be there among the action given your all for the club, signing the lads on.”

Leigh have lost their opening five games but there two most encouraging performances have been against Wigan on the opening night of the season and last time out against champions St Helens.

Injuries in key positions have only compounded Duffy’s problems but now he sees light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is exciting because we are getting bodies back and it is coming together,” he said.

“Jamie and Brendan are progressing really well through their rehab. We just need to make sure we have got the right loads into them “But I am looking forward to them coming back and showing what they are made of.

“The boys’ effort and attitude was first class against Saints and it shows where that can take you.

“In fairness, the lads have been great all the way through. It’s a shame we haven’t picked up a win yet-but we will.”

Wigan have won all five of their Super League games but arrive at the LSV smarting from last week’s Challenge Cup exit to Hull FC.

“Wigan are a formidable outfit but the big thing for us is not to worry about the opposition,” said Duffy who revealed how he almost once joined the Warriors.

“I was at Warrington at the time and I think Graeme West tried to sign me,” he explained. “I had a medical and they put a bid in for me but in the end it never came off.”

*Former Leigh half back Drew Hutchison is recovering after suffering a punctured lung playing for Sydney Roosters against Parramatta Eels.

Hutchison, 26, who spent one season with Centurions in 2018, was caught in the back after a knee slide from opposite number Dylan Brown.