Martyn Ridyard says the atmosphere in Leigh is buzzing ahead of the Centurions' return to Super League action next week.
Ridyard, who has been writing for Sky Sports in the run-up to the 2017 season, was part of the Super League season launch which took place at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday.
The 30-year-old has worked hard over a number of seasons with the Centurions to get the club into the top division, and they managed promotion through the Middle 8s competition at the end of the 2016 campaign.
That means a first Super League campaign for Ridyard, which will kick off on February 10 when Leigh travel to Castleford for a tough assignment against the Tigers, live on Sky Sports.
Ridyard told Sky Sports News HQ: "There has been a real buzz around the town.
"A week on Friday can't really come quick enough for us. It's going to be tough but we are really looking forward to it - exciting times ahead.
"It's something the fans have wanted for a number of years now. Since the Middle 8s concept came in it gave us a fresh lease of life to try and achieve it. Obviously we did it last year so hopefully we can continue our status next year.
"They don't come any easier, Castleford followed by Leeds at home. That's why you play the sport - you want to be at the top level so Castleford away, it's tough but we are looking forward to it at the same time."