THE latest addition to the Leigh Centurions' fan club reckons the Hilton Park side hold the key to the Division One title.

Respected New Zealander Stan Martin was gushing in his praise for the Centurions after his Whitehaven Warriors side had won 34-12 on Wednesday night.

"Leigh were totally unrecognisable from the side we played at Hilton Park early in the season," he acknowledged.

"The transformation from that first meeting has been remarkable; it's a testament to coach Keith Latham and his staff that they've turned things round in a few weeks.

"Leigh might not be involved in the fight at the top of the table, but they'll have a big say in who does finish at the top of the pile.

"I'm not looking forward to the trip down to Leigh in July."

Martin, like other coaches in Division One, have been impressed by Leigh's newcomers Dave Whittle, Andy Grundy and Anthony Murray.

With another high-flying side, Hunslet Hawks, due at Hilton Park on Sunday, Leigh have moved swiftly to extend the loan periods of both Whittle and Grundy.

The Wigan back row pair will be staying for at least another month.

Martin reckons Leigh have got a gem in Whittle. "I studied the video of their win over Hull KR and Whittle's performance was the finest I've ever seen from a forward in this division."

Latham delays final team selection but is considering one or two changes.

Stand-off James Arkwright will be recalled if he has sufficiently recovered from a gashed head while their could be a new role for scrum-half Jason Donohue.

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