JOHN Duffy will be hoping for a good performance against Barrow Raiders tomorrow to take Leigh Centurions into their Coral Challenge Cup date with a Super League side in the perfect manner.

Leigh's reward for beating fellow Betfred Championship side Sheffield Eagles in the competition last Sunday is a trip to Hull Kingston Rovers in round five on Thursday, April 11.

There will be no danger of head coach Duffy overlooking this weekend's game at home to Barrow, but the draw has generated plenty of excitement for the Centurions.

And the boss sees it as perfect preparation for the Easter weekend double-header, which sees Leigh travel to Widnes Vikings on Good Friday followed by hosting Dewsbury Rams on Bank Holiday Monday.

“Obviously we would have loved a home tie but this is a good test for us and will toughen us up ahead of the Easter programme,” Duffy told the Leigh Journal.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for our new playing group to have the opportunity to play against a Super League club.

“The lads will thrive playing against Super League opposition and it’s a reward for our hard-earned win at Sheffield.”

Leigh were missing their dual-registered St Helens players for the 34-12 win over Sheffield and some were not included in the 19-man squad for the clash with the Raiders named yesterday either.

Two missing Saints players to have starred for Leigh this year are Danny Richardson and Jack Ashworth, who Barrow head coach Paul Crarey picked out as danger-men and who recently earned a call-up to the England Knights squad.

“It is great they haven’t gone unnoticed with their performances for Leigh," said Duffy. “They have got great attitudes and been great for Leigh Centurions.

“Everyone appreciates how tough the Championship is. If they can stand up to it on our league they can do it in Super League.”