Leigh Centurions v Huddersfield Giants: Super 8s preview
Last Updated: 10/09/16 2:47pm
Huddersfield are aiming to put Leigh's celebrations on hold when they meet in the Super 8s Qualifiers on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2.
The Centurions are on the brink of securing a return to Super League after winning all four play-off matches so far, including the prized scalps of Salford and Hull KR.
Victory over the Giants would clinch automatic promotion for the Championship club with two games to spare. It would also leave the Giants sweating over the prospect of playing in next month's Million Game to determine the final place in Super League for 2017.
Huddersfield, who finished bottom of Super League at the end of the regular season, began the Qualifiers with a defeat to Salford, but have won their last three matches against Championship opposition. As a result, stand-off Danny Brough believes the Giants have momentum behind them.
"After the first game when we put in a dismal performance at Salford, the boys got together and pretty much laid it on the line what it means," said Brough. "There are jobs at stake, and it seems to be coming out with the way we're playing at the moment.
"I think we've been improving each week and if we can keep building and get two more wins I'll be a very happy man.
"There's pressure with every game. You don't want to be in that Million Pound Game. We have to win two out of our last three games to pretty much stay in Super League."
Brough says he expected a promotion charge from Leigh after they finished bottom of the Qualifiers 12 months ago, and knows his side face a stern test at the Sports Village.
"They're a great team," Brough said of the Centurions. "They're playing well and they've a lot of confidence.
"I expected it from them, having failed as miserably as they did last season. I thought they might have a chance of putting it right this year, especially with the personnel they signed along the way.
"It's down to us to play our own game and hopefully grind out a win. Our mentality has got to be right."
Huddersfield are without forwards Eorl Crabtree and Tom Symonds due to injury, but have former New Zealand Test prop Sam Rapira back after he lost his ever-present record against London Broncos last Friday. Hooker Kyle Wood is also back in contention along with former Leigh favourite Ryan Brierley.
Leigh have added veteran front rower Fuifui Moimoi and former Catalans Dragons centre Willie Tonga to the team that toppled Hull KR last Saturday. Giants coach Rick Stone says his side won't underestimate the opposition, despite.
"We're preparing like we're playing a Super League side," said Stone. "They've got some decent players.
"They can trouble any team and they've got some confidence and momentum. They've put some wins together and they're playing at home so it's going to be a good test.
"Only a complete performance on the weekend will get us the win."
Leigh Centurions: Mitch Brown, Matty Dawson, Andrew Dixon, Josh Drinkwater, Harrison Hansen, Micky Higham, Adam Higson, Gareth Hock, Liam Hood, Sam Hopkins, Reni Maitua, Gregg McNally, Fuifui Moimoi, Cory Paterson, Martyn Ridyard, Danny Tickle, Willie Tonga, Dayne Weston, Greg Worthington.
Huddersfield Giants: Ryan Brierley, Danny Brough, Jake Connor, Leroy Cudjoe, Jamie Ellis, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Craig Huby, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Josh Johnson, Michael Lawrence, Kruise Leeming, Nathan Mason, Jermaine McGillvary, Aaron Murphy, Sam Rapira, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Ta'ai, Joe Wardle, Kyle Wood.
Watch Leigh v Huddersfield live on Sky Sports 2 from 2.55pm on Saturday. Catch all the action for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.