Leigh boss Adrian Lam hailed double try-scorer Josh Charnley following his 300th

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try after the Leopards earned a convincing 40-12 victory over Salford.

Leigh's intentions were clear from the outset and Umyla Hanley's early try raised the atmosphere inside Leigh Sports Village before Charnley celebrated his new one-year deal with Leopards' second.

Ryan Brierley brought Salford back in the contest but Hanley restored their two-try advantage with his second of the half.

Charnley scooted over for his 300th career try and Leigh ran riot with three more tries courtesy of Matt Davis, Brad Dwyer and Lachlan Lam before Tim Lafai gave Salford a late consolation.

Lam was quick to praise Charnley following his milestone try.

He said: "It was nice to see him score the 300 at our club in that famous corner of his here and what an absolute cracker too.

"I just remember seeing him stand up and punched the air and I think that will be a fantastic photo whoever has that and that would represent the 300 which is a milestone in itself.

"What an incredible achievement and to do it at our club we are very proud of him.

"He re-signed as well so it was a big week for him - He banged the drum tonight so I'm pleased for him."

The Super League transfer merry-go-round is in full swing and Leigh will lose three key players Zak Hardaker, John Asiata and Tom Briscoe to Hull.

Lam admits the off-field issues may have taken centre stage but was pleased to see his side pick up victory with a commanding performance.

"I think the last six weeks have been very good but we had the 80-minute performance tonight.

"We had a short week turnaround and obviously some stuff going on in the background so not sure what effect that would play - but there was a big focus on us starting well and I thought we got it bang on right.

"Once we got going the attitude was connected as a group so I'm proud we played our best rugby tonight.

"I addressed the John Asiata thing straight away. I told the group we need to move on quickly from it so everyone got on board and said we can still achieve something together as a group and I'm looking forward to seeing that unfold."

Salford boss Paul Rowley expressed his disappointment and thought his side were never in the contest.

He said: "Leigh were very good and played the game much tougher than us and ultimately when it comes to the fundamentals Leigh totally dominated in that respect. Full credit to them - we were well beaten.

"I'm not sure we was ever in the arm wrestle. I'm not sure we were ever in that game and thought Leigh were much better.

"There was a gulf in quality with some of our players amongst our team from the best to the worst and a gulf in quality with us as a team compared to them.

"I'll go home disappointed but never go home disheartened - I think this group is tough as always and sometimes you just get beat by a better team."