LEIGH caretaker boss Kieron Purtill has praised Liam Hood’s contribution to Centurions’ eight-game winning streak.

The Scottish international has scored seven tries in his last six games; nine in total for Leigh’s 2018 campaign.

Three of his recent touch downs have come in League and Challenge Cup victories over Sunday’s Betfred Championship opponents, London Broncos.

“Liam is playing really well,” says Purtill.

“It has helped him bringing Micky Higham back into the squad.

“But he has put in a lot of hard work off the field and he is getting the rewards with his game time and performances

“Liam has also done a bit of growing up which we all do that at different times,” added Purtill

“He has had a real focus of looking after himself off the field, he is training well and doing his extras.

“Even though he is still only a young guy, he is probably ready to step up into the senior group.

“He made his debut at such a young age he is settling into the role he is playing.”

Hood, 26, and Higham have dovetailed perfectly during Leigh’s return to form.

Now Purtill has an extra option with Daniel Mortimer poised for a return to action for the first time since February 25.

“Daniel has ticked all the boxes,” added Purtill.

“He is ready to go when we need him and it was good to see him in the squad last week.

“There are no issues with him and if called upon he could play.

“But we have had some guys playing well and form dictates.” Centre Ben Crooks is likely to be available after he missed last Sunday’s 46-18 win over Barrow with sickness.

Leigh have achieved a 71-18 aggregate win in their two matches with Broncos last month.

“We are getting some good results but we are still not where we need to be as a club so we are not getting carried away,” added Purtill.

“London have some good players. We have had two good wins against them but we don’t read too much into that

“They are a different team when they play at home and you have to take the travelling into account. So, it’s a good test to see where we are as a group.”

Another test will be Centurions’ sixth round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup against Salford at Leigh Sports Village on Friday, May 11.

“It is an exciting one because we have had some good games against them in the last couple of seasons,” said Purtill

“It’s something the players are looking forward to. It is a good challenge for us and all the pressure is on them not us.

“It is a distraction away from the league, something we will enjoy and have a good crack at it.”

Centurions and Salford season ticket holders are entitled to a discount on their tickets if they purchase their tickets before 8pm on Thursday May 10 (one discount per season ticket).