RYAN Brierley will miss Leigh’s trip to top five Betfred Championship rivals Featherstone Rovers on Sunday when Centurions bid for a seventh successive league and cup win.

And coach John Duffy hopes Brierley’s injury suffered in last Sunday’s gripping 22-18 win at Sheffield Eagles is only short term.

“Ryan has done the top of his fibula (calf bone) but fortunately he doesn’t need to be in a pot or anything.

“It is just going to be a pain management issue.

“He won’t feature at Fev but hopefully he won’t be out for too long.

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“Ryan didn’t want to go back last time,” added Duffy of the Toronto Wolfpack loanee.

“So, I am glad it has got resolved.”

Brierley’s absence could be offset by a quicker than expected return of Gregg McNally.

Full-back McNally missed the trip to Sheffield after collecting a groin injury during Leigh’s 1895 Cup quarter-final win over Workington Town.

“Gregg is coming on really well, much better than expected,” confirmed Duffy.

“To be fair to Gregg always doubles up on his training and rehab.

“So, I am hoping he might be up for selection.”

Sam Brooks definitely comes back into contention after serving a three-game ban while Jake Emmitt and Luke Douglas are also available.

Sunday’s rivals are separated by two places and two points with Centurions having won 29-20 at Leigh Sports Village back in February.

The game also marks coach Duffy’s first return since leaving the club last November.

“I loved my time there,” said the Leigh boss.

“(Chairman) Mark Campbell and everyone took me in and treated me like one of their own.

“I have no ill feelings towards anyone at Featherstone.

“I may have been a Lancastrian coaching in Yorkshire but the fans gave me all the support I needed.

“I might get some stick now but it was a great experience for me developing as a coach.

“However, I am coach at Leigh so I have got to go there with right mind set and game plan.”

Duffy’s side is certainly full of confidence after victory over Eagles completed three wins in eight days.

“It was a massive effort to achieve what we did, especially being a part time club,” he said.

“The biggest thing for me in the last four or five games is just how much the lads wanted to win and didn’t want to get turned over. To show that grit and togetherness has been the main thing.”