DREW Hutchison says he is “surprised and disappointed” by Leigh’s sub-standard start to life back in the Betfred Championship.

Centurions host Toulouse at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday (kick-off, 5.30pm) with only one win from their opening three games.

A 24-20 at part-timers Barrow Raiders has increased pressure from some fans on head coach, Neil Jukes.

Aussie playmaker Hutchison admits Leigh got what they deserved against Barrow who came from 20-12 down to preserve an unbeaten home league record stretching back to 2016.

“He (Jukes) is disappointed but he is no exception.

“All the lads are as disappointed as anyone else.

“So, we are going to have to turn it round and work hard for him this weekend.

“Yes, I am surprised and disappointed by the start to the season.

“We didn’t play anywhere near our best even though we beat Batley the previous week.

“It comes down to working hard during the week and not getting ahead of ourselves.

“We thought it was going to happen for us in the second half at Barrow.

“Instead, we didn’t work for anything.

“We didn’t build any momentum and when we did there were silly errors on the back of it.

“Absolutely they deserved to win. When you don’t play wet weather football and respect the ball that is what happens.

“Credit to Barrow, they completed all game, kicked us into corners and showed us how we should have played.”

Owner Derek Beaumont said sorry to fans who travelled to Cumbria and witnessed the shock defeat.

He tweeted: “Big apologies to you all you deserved far better than that for your efforts to get there.

“For those who are jumping ship, fair enough and good luck.

“But I will stay and fight on and keep investing and beleighving.”

Toulouse enjoyed a 50-6 home win against Sheffield Eagles last Sunday and are third behind London Broncos and Toronto.

“Leigh are sixth, one of four clubs on two points.

“You always feel under pressure,” admitted Jukes.

“There is massive pressure when you are a full-time coach in a part-time Championship because you have to win and win convincingly.

“There is as much pressure on any game.

“There is pressure from the fans and the board.

“But the biggest pressure is what I put on myself.

“That’s more than enough.”

On his team’s current malaise Jukes added: “It’s not good enough.

“We can’t keep using the excuse we have 19 new players.

“They have got to up their game and get consistency with their own game.”