LEIGH Centurions skipper Tim Street has been cleared to play in Sunday's Division One clash with title favourites Whitehaven Warriors.

Street, sent off for alleged use of the elbow in last weekend's Challenge Cup tie against Sheffield Eagles, was given a sending off sufficient verdict by the League's Disciplinary Panel.

And Leigh feel that the decision vindicates their criticism of referee Karl Kirkpatrick.

"It's clear the Panel felt the official had over-reacted. If the incident was a foul, and there's still some doubt about that, it only warranted a penalty," a delighted Centurions coach Keith Latham said today.

"We are all chuffed to bits for Tim. He didn't deserve to be sent off and everyone knows it."

Street's all-clear has lifted spirits at Hilton Park. "We were in the middle of a training session when Tim and chairman Mick Higgins returned from the hearing.

"The decision visibly lifted everybody and it was a tremendous session after that. It just goes to show how much influence Tim has and how much respect he commands among his team-mates."

Street will takes his place in an unchanged starting 13 for a game Latham is predicting will be just as tough as last week's clash against the Eagles. "I rate Whitehaven very highly. We beat them in the Plate competition last season but they turned us over handsomely in the end of season play-offs.

"They are strong all across the park, but especially in the forwards and at half-back. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they won this division."

Aussie duo Steve Garcis and Steve Driscoll will get a runout in the Alliance team at Whitehaven tomorrow while Latham has earmarked a place on the bench for half-back or loose-forward Anthony Murray who is on extended loan from Widnes.

"Young Murray is a Leigh lad and busting a gut to get into the side. He's gone really well in training and he's likely to figure at some stage on Sunday."

Leigh: O'Loughlin, Kay, Ingram, Fairclough, Burrows; Gunning, Hilton; Street, Jenkins Pucill, Costello, Nixon, Garcis. Subs from: Driscoll, Hudspith, Murray, Wilkinson, Harthill, Smith.

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