Gareth Hock had the last word on another riveting Middle 8’s victory that leaves Leigh scenting success in their quest for Super League status.

Hock’s try in the final minute signalled delight personally and collectively as Centurions overcame a now familiar late wobble before claiming the points.

The former Wigan and Salford star suffered head and leg knocks during a scintillating game lacking nothing in excitement and drama.

But he was still standing to touch down in front of a jubilant away following, helping achieve a healthy attendance of 3,644 at the Big Fellas Stadium.

Going into a mini break for the Challenge Cup final before resuming their Middle 8’s campaign at Hull KR on September 3, Leigh are second behind Leeds with maximum points from their opening three games.

The only down side is points difference of 22, the smallest margin of any of the top five teams.

And coach Neil Jukes is keen to address the need to see out games more comfortably after Rovers recovered from 12-0 and 22-8 down down to close to 22-18 with 10 minutes remaining.

“It’s just disappointing we had to put ourselves through the emotion of the last five or six minutes,” acknowledged Jukes. “Too many time this season we have gone too far in front and then finished up under real pressure.

“It’s not needed and it is something we have got to address. Teams will look at our last three games and think this is a team that doesn’t go for the full 80.

“So, it’s something we have got to get better at.”

Despite the criticism Jukes is in no doubt his side merits its current standing above three top flights outfits.

“To get six points isn’t a fluke,” he said as Leigh scored five tries on their way to leaving Rovers still searching for an opening Middle 8’s win. “We have had to work really hard for it.

“Ten points will probably get you promoted,” he said when pressed on a target that might guarantee a top three finish.

“Eight points will probably get you in the million pounds game.

“But I am not sure. These Middle 8’s have been a bit weird and I don’t see any change in it.

“If we can get two points at Hull KR it will put us in an incredible position. But we have got just a little task of going to Hull KR.”

Leigh threatened to steamroller Rovers as ex Fev fave, Reni Maitua, and Mitch Brown, touched down for Martyn Ridyard converted tries.

By half-time the deficit was down to four points as a brace of Kyle Briggs goals and try from Leeds Grand Final winner, Josh Walters, kept Jon Sharp’s side in contention.

When Matty Dawson and Micky Higham crossed in the space of six second half minutes, leaving Rovers three scores adrift, victory looked in the bag.

Instead, Luke Briscoe and Jack Ormondroyd put the outcome in doubt with two tries in three minutes only for Rovers to then self destruct.

Ridyard’s 75th minute penalty ensured at leas a draw for the visitors before Hock rumbled over from close range to guarantee the win.

Match stats: Featherstone: Craven, Duckworth, Hardman, Taulapapa, Briscoe; Briggs, Thackeray; Griffin, Ellis, Baldwinson, Tagg, Walters, Spears; subs: Day, Snitch, Cooper, Ormondroyd.

Tries: Walters (13), Briscoe (68), Ormondroyd (70); Goals: Briggs (3)

Leigh: McNally; Higson, Brown, Armstrong, Dawson; Ridyard, Drinkwater; Moimoi, Higham, Weston, Maitua, Paterson, Hock; subs: Hood, Tickle, Hansen, Hopkins.

Tries: Maitua (4), Brown (6), Dawson (54), Higham (60), Hock (79); Goals: Ridyard 5/6.

Referee: Jack Smith.

Attendance: 3644.