JUKES KEEPS UP THE FIGHT
Leigh boss battles to beat drop
NEIL JUKES admits Leigh are battling against the odds to salvage their Super League status.
Last year’s Championship success story are heading for the feared Million Pound Game after just two wins from their first four Middle 8s fixtures.
“I am not quite sure what some people are expecting,” said boss Jukes.
“Anyone who thought top eight was a given is killing themselves.
“We should have three or four years to build into it but we haven’t had it.
“We didn’t finish bottom and we have been competitive in the main.
“I know where we need to get to but it is not going to happen overnight.”
Leigh topped the Championship for three years running before winning promotion last season.
“It is an unfamiliar thing for this club to play average and not win games,” added Jukes.
“We can go and do that in the Championship if we want. Or we can roll our sleeves up and have a dig at it. That’s what we will do.”
Meanwhile, Wigan prop Ben Flower has ruled himself out of Wales’ World Cup squad.
The 17-times capped front-rower hasn’t played since suffering an Achilles injury in April.
“It’s a massive trip to be missing,” said the 29-year-old prop. “I’ve wanted to play for Wales for the last couple of years. But I’ve had injuries that I’ve had to sort out.
“I will definitely be playing for Wales again in the future.”
Wales open their campaign against co-hosts Papua New Guinea on October 28. HULL FC skipper Gareth Ellis could miss Friday’s re-run of last month’s Challenge Cup final with Wigan through suspension.
Ellis has been hit with a Grade B charge of making dangerous contact after last Thursday’s defeat against former club Leeds.