JACK Hughes returns to former club Warrington on Saturday looking for a positive start to a four-week period he believes can transform Leigh’s season.

Despite Leopards losing their grip on the Challenge Cup and languishing ninth on the Super League ladder, Hughes insists: “By no means is there a crisis at the club.

“It probably looks worse on the outside than it is,” added the versatile former Great Britain international.

“We are not making excuses but a lot of stuff hasn’t gone our way. We are doing it tough but there is a long way to go.

“As the season goes on, we will get bodies back and hopefully, we will peak at the right time of the season. Maybe last year we did that a bit too early and then fell off towards the back end.

“Everything is still positive internally, the belief is there and we are working hard to put things right.”

A 26-14 defeat at Hull KR ended Leigh’s dream of a Wembley return; an ambition still within Warrington’s grasp. Sam Burgess’s side stunned St Helens 31-8 to set-up a semi-final with Leigh’s conquerors.

Wolves have also won five of their opening seven league games. “Warrington look like they have got stronger and stronger in terms of resilience and grit,” added Hughes who played in Grand Finals and Challenge Cup finals during his six-year Warrington career.

“They showed a lot of that in the win over St Helens. They look, as a team, how Sam played as a player with that resilience, toughness and grit.”

This weekend’s trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium is followed by games against Catalans, Castleford and Salford at Leigh Sports Village.

“The next three or four weeks are going to be big,” agrees Hughes. “We need to pick up some wins.

“We have got three home games after Warrington. So, if we can get three wins back-to-back that would be a great boost to our season.”

Leigh welcomed back prop Tom Amone from injury at Hull KR. But Leopards will be without full-back Gareth O’Brien and Amone’s front forward partner, Robbie Mulhern, for up to six weeks with calf muscle problems.

Another ex-Wire looking to impress against his former club is Brad Dwyer. Initially signed on loan Dwyer, 31, who has scored 71 tries in 280 games, has agreed a two-year deal.

Outgoing is Jacob Gannon who has signed a season long loan at Championship side, York Knights.

*Leopards’ women’s Championship North side made it three wins from three with a Mollie Young inspired 42-14 win over Sheffield Eagles at Twist Lane.

Leopards trailed 10-0 but hit back with nine tries including a hat-trick from Young. Further touchdowns came from: debutant Megan Grace-Holding, Charlotte Melvin, Toryn Blackwood, Kate Howard, Storm Cobain and Hattie Dogus. Melvin added three goals.

This Sunday, Dewsbury Moor are the visitors to Twist Lane, kick-off 2pm.