CENTURIONS head coach Paul Rowley is backing his side’s Heritage Day clash with Workington Town as a game ‘not to be missed’.

The Heritage Day celebrates Leigh and a number of other clubs’ meeting in Huddersfield in 1895 where the intention to break away from the Rugby Football Union was announced.

Workington visit Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, 3pm kick off, and Rowley hopes the occasion can become an annual event.

“Hopefully it will become an annual event, especially with the way the past players have engaged the modern team at the minute,” he said.

"It’s really pleasing for them to get involved. It’s good to celebrate the past and make sure nothing is ever forgotten.

“We are a club with a proud history and we often speak of it. It’s one not to be missed. What more could you ask for?

“You have your stars of today and your stars from yesteryear. It’s going to be good for everybody. New and old supporters need to get themselves down here and join in.”

Despite the increased publicity surrounding the occasion, Rowley remains wary of the threat in-form Workington pose.

“Statistically, they are the Championship’s form team. They have won something like nine of their last 10 matches,” he added.

“They have a good relationship with Wigan so they get some good players from there which strengthens them.

“They are also coming here on the back of good news with Phil Veivers signing a new deal. They are a very happy club at the minute.

“They gave us a real tough game up at their place and that was a catalyst for what has happened.

“They have beaten a lot of good teams, although they had a blip against Doncaster, but we did the same. Phil will have his team highly motivated coming to face us.

“Because it’s going to be a big crowd and an occasion, and silverware will be there in everybody’s face, you can imagine that their teamtalk will be about spoiling parties.”

Leigh will be missing the injured Tom Spencer and Tommy Goulden for the remainder of the season.

“Tommy is irreplaceable, but it’s one that we knew was coming so it’s not a shock,” Rowley explained.

“We are disappointed for Tom, he’d just found some really good form, but there are people itching to have a run and whoever puts the shirt on will be highly motivated and highly capable of doing a job.

“Martin (Aspinwall) has been consistent and doing everything right and you know I think he’s enjoying his spell at the minute.

“The players are all looking to him. He doesn’t say a lot but he’s become a bit of a leader within the camp.

“Anthony (Bate) offers a lot to our team and has great game sense and can back it up with all the attributes. He’s worked hard and been on the brink.”

Centurions have extended congratulations to Ryan Brierley and his partner Tanya on the birth of their first child, Lexi.

“Everyone is so pleased for Ryan and Tanya and they will make excellent parents.” Rowley added.