COACH Kurt Haggerty insists Leigh’s lack of competitiveness action will not derail his team’s bid to make it third time lucky this season against derby rivals Wigan Warriors at the DW Stadium on Sunday.

Centurions have suffered three postponements since losing at Headingley nearly a month ago, including a latest home fixture against Castleford.

In contrast, last season’s Grand Final runners-up Wigan have completed five matches in the same period, including Wednesday’s trip to derby rivals Warrington.

“For us it has not been a bad thing,” said Haggerty of the Tigers’ postponement.

“It has given us a full week’s preparation for Wigan so we have turned it into a positive

“It could have been a lot worse had we been forced to play two games in the space of three or four days.”

Despite their respective league placings, Leigh produced two of their better performances against Adrian Lam’s side earlier this year.

They led 18-0 when the teams met at Headingley in round one only to lose 20-18.

Centurions held an early 10-0 advantage at LSV on May 17 but were eventually defeated 30-16.

“We have got a good idea of where they are at and how we want to play against them,” added Haggerty.

“It was close at Headingley and then when we played them again we started pretty decently but fell away.

“We have got to compete for 80 minutes to have a chance to win any game, not just Wigan.

“But it doesn’t matter whether they are in form or not, we certainly go there with the mindset of getting a win.

“Besides, it is a derby and the form guide can go out of the window.”

Haggerty could have prop Adam Sidlow back after injury and ex Wigan prospect, Craig Mullen, available following illness.

As Journal Sport went to press no new dates had been fixed for Leigh’s outstanding matches against Hull FC (a), Warrington Wolves (h) and Castleford Tigers.

“It is a messy situation, I just hope something is resolved soon with what we are going to do with the league next year,” added Haggerty.

“We are waiting on clarity for next year and just hopes the season gets finished.”

One player not expected to feature again in 2021 is Ben Reynolds who suffered a lateral ligament injury at Hull KR on May 30.

“It is not as bad as we first thought but it means the end of the year which is unfortunate for Ben and for us,” said Haggerty.

Fellow half back Ryan Brierley is unlikely to feature before September as he recovers from the serious eye injury suffered in the closing stages of the game at Leeds.

Meanwhile Leigh remain hopeful of completing the signing of an NRL player ­— thought to be Gold Coast Titans’ second row Sam Stone ­— for any end of season scrap against relegation.