LONG-TERM injury fears surrounding Leigh Centurions' new signing Andy Leathem have been removed, writes Mike Hulme.

The young prop suffered a badly bruised hip as he scored in the first minute of his full debut at Swinton on Sunday.

He was taken to hospital and detained after medics discovered some internal bleeding. But he has now been allowed home and is already working towards regaining full fitness.

"It was a relief to discover that Andy's injury isn't a serious one," says coach Paul Terzis. "Although he won't be fit for this Sunday's game against Whitehaven, he should be back on deck the week after."

Craig Dean (mild concussion), Paul Anderson (ankle) picked up injuries at Swinton but both will be clear for weekend when Alan Hadcroft will also return.

Five members of Leigh's highly-rated Academy side have joined the professional ranks. They are: Richard Varkulis (prop), Ian Hodson (stand-off), Simon Hartley (centre), Simon Warhurst (full-back) and Chris Smith (winger).

Terzis says: "We have signed five from the Academy team on binding contracts which will stop rival clubs poaching our players."