Leigh v Leeds Rhinos: Leigh focused on lighting up Sports Village warns Tickle

Leeds Rhinos’ visit is Leigh’s first home Super League game since 2005 and the club are planning to make it a gala occasion.

Leigh’s return to the top flight last week ended in a 44-16 drubbing at Castleford Tigers and Tickle admitted Centurions are desperate to prove they belong at the elite level.

“The game can’t come soon enough,” said the 33-year-old packman, who joined Leigh from Castleford last season.

“Everyone can’t wait to play this first Super League game at home for such a long time. We didn’t give ourselves a chance against Castleford and we have plenty of things to fix up ahead of the Rhinos.

“But there were a lot of positives to take out of the game and I am confident because we showed for spells we can compete.

“It’s not good enough, though, just doing it in 15- or 20-minute spells. It’s about doing it for 80 minutes and when you are fatigued.

“You have got to be at your best throughout and if you don’t teams will punish you.

“That’s what happened to us at Cas because we didn’t see the ball for spells and it drained our energy.”

Tickle added: “We know we can trouble any team when we are at our best. There’s a long way to go so we will stay positive and do that.

“But Leeds are another side who haven’t got off to a good start so they will be as determined as us to put things right.”