LEIGH Centurions scrum half Joe Mellor is targeting promotion to Super League in 2022 - but knows it will be quite a battle.

Centurions were relegated from the top flight last term - and are keen to bounce back.

However, a host of Betfred Championship have upped their recruitment in what should be a compelling battle.

Mellor said: “I think Featherstone Rovers will be a big threat along with Newcastle who have now gone full time. Halifax Panthers will, I think be in the mix too.”

Centurions will have a new-look next year - coming out of what was a tough 2021.

“I know we only won a couple of games but the opening fixture against Wigan could have gone our way, we pushed Catalans down here at Leigh Sports Village, Wakefield away when we were down to one front rower and the televised game here against Hull Kingston Rovers could all have gone our way,” Mellor said

“That’s all in the past though. The opening games of 2022 are only 12 weeks away, and preseason training starts on 15th November. I am looking forward to it and meeting my new team-mates.”

Having played in the Championship, Mellor admitted that it may be slower than Super League but it’s a lot more physical.

He is preparing for that now.

“I haven’t been away as I just wanted to chill out after the season we have just had.

"It was a tough season with Covid interruptions and no crowds early in the year.

"As we went into August, we knew a win wasn’t far away and that victory over Salford here at Leigh Sports Village did all the club good as well as our loyal fans," he said.