LEIGH Centurions have started their spring sales by releasing two players...with the prospect of more to follow.

Long-serving stand-off Mike Blakeley, brother of Salford Reds skipper Steve, is the major casualty. Blakeley has been handed a free transfer along with former Wigan Academy centre David Wright.

Blakeley may now continue his career with local rugby union club, Sedgley Park.

Back row forward Steve McCulley could also soon be on his way out of Hilton Park after handing in a transfer request.

"The board will consider Steve's request at the earliest opportunity, but it's unlikely we'll stand in his way," says chairman Mick Higgins.

Leigh are being linked with a possible move for Keighley's Kiwi half-back Latham Tawhai, released from Cougar Park recently as part of the Division One club's cost-cutting. But second division rivals Hunslet Hawks are also showing an interest.

"I've spoken to Tawhai," confirmed the Leigh chairman. "But so far he's not got back to us."

The Hilton Park club has also taken teenage back rower Rob McAvoy on a six-weeks trial period from Warrington but they face stiff competition for his long term services from St Helens, Widnes and Oldham.

New Alliance coach Ged Stazicker is still waiting for his first win after Leigh's reserve side went down 36-20 to Swinton Lions last night - their sixth straight defeat of the season.

After getting back to 16-16 early in the second half, Leigh faded in the final quarter. Their points came from tries by Glynn Davies (2), Dave Smith and Paul Blackburn with two goals from Scott Aspinall.

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