LEIGH Centurions boss Tony Benson finally gets the chance to lead his side into serious action on Friday night.

Although he's been at the helm for a couple of pre-season outings, the opening pool game in the Northern Rail Cup at Blackpool will, in effect, be the New Zealander's debut.

And he's itching to get started.

"I'm buzzing and the players are buzzing, Benson reports. "We've spent a long pre-season putting the squad together and getting them prepared. We can't wait to get out there."

Although front rowers Ricky Bibey and Warren Stevens have recovered from injury, they haven't managed to force their way into the starting line-up and are on the bench.

Leigh have named a strong-looking side with Misili Manu dropping out to be replaced on the wing by Lee Greenwood. Kiwi half-back Aaron Heremaia was not considered because of a slight knee injury.

Squad: Grix; Gaskell, Grundy, Hughes, Greenwood; O'Neill, Forber; Cookson, Rowley, Hill, Taylor, Glassie, Roberts. Subs: R.Bibey, Sykes, Stevens, Coleman or Speakman.