LEIGH new boy Mitch Brown hopes to become a Super League player sooner rather than later but is ready to do the hard yards to achieve the club’s goal, writes Trevor Baxter.

The versatile Australian back looks set for his debut when Centurions open their Middle 8s campaign against Kingstone Press Championship rivals, London Broncos, at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, kick-off 6pm.

“I am fit and raring to go,” says the ex-Cronulla, Canterbury and Wests Tigers star.

“As long as I get told where I am playing so I can prepare for that position, it doesn’t matter if it is centre, full back or wing.

“The challenge is going to be extremely difficult, especially with four quality Super League teams in there as well.

“If it doesn’t happen this season we will be busting our bums to make it next year. Whatever happens I am committed to Leigh and still going to be here.”

Brown, 28, may be new to England but he hasn’t felt like a stranger since touching down to start a new chapter in his career.

He’s played alongside Dayne Weston, Travis Burns and Reni Maitua plus is good mates with Leeds forward, Keith Galloway, from their time at Wests.

He still has in-laws on Merseyside, wife Alisha’s parents are from Liverpool while one of her best friends is currently dating St Helens forward Atelea Vea.

“I have always wanted to have a stint in England,” he explained. “Everyone I spoke to who has done it say ‘you have to do it because it’s such a great experience.’ So, it’s something I have wanted to do since day dot.”

Second placed Broncos finished nine points behind Leigh after the regular season, losing 24-20 at LSV and 38-12 in Ealing.

“We are not kidding ourselves, it’s going to be a tough ask,” admits coach Andrew Henderson.

“But the great thing is there is no pressure on us. We can push Leigh and potentially get a result.

“Fair play to Leigh; Derek Beaumont has put his money where his mouth is. They have spent the coin and they are going for it.

“Am I jealous of them? Not at all. They have put the money in so good luck to them.”

Centurions owner Beaumont has certainly dug deep to give coach Neil Jukes the best chance of guiding Leigh to the domestic game’s promised land. And the pair weren’t far off landing other targets, Nathan Ross and superstar Jarryd Hayne.

But Beaumont isn’t making any wild predictions as to the outcome of Leigh’s next seven games.

“We have always said we are an ambitious club and want to get into Super League,” he said this week.

“Whether we do it this year remains to be seen. We know it will be hard because of the teams that are in there.

“I liken it to taking your driving test. You know you are going to pass it one day; it’s just when. If you fail it, you take it again. That’s why we have a strapline #SuperLeague2017/18.

“Last year we went in (to the Middle 8s) busted and bruised and didn’t make any additions.

“There was an air of arrogance around the place that it was a given we were just going to do it. This time there is a lot more Super League and NRL experience in the squad now and we are giving it the best possible chance.”