LEIGH kick-off the new Betfred Championship season at Dewsbury on Friday (7.30pm) with head coach John Duffy urging: “Let’s start on the right foot.”

Centurions are favourites to start their campaign with victory over a team who finished third bottom in 2019, winning just six of their 27 games.

But Duffy says only Leigh’s best will guarantee a positive marker to put down for the rest of the division who start their own seasons over the weekend.

“We are all ready and raring to go after the Wigan game last week,” said Duffy of an encouraging 12-6 friendly success over Super League neighbours, Wigan Warriors.

“We got some good stuff out of it and I was much happier with our attitude than we showed against Salford.

“But it will be different kettle of fish on Friday. I have watched quite a lot of footage on Dewsbury’s pre-season for and they look a big side and use the pitch really well.

“They have some experienced half backs. They are no mugs and they have still got it.

“Dewsbury will be looking to turn us over and get a big result.

“So, we have got to do a good number in our defence otherwise we will get found out.”

Another concern for Duffy is the state of the Tetley Stadium pitch now it is used by the Rams and tenants, Bradford Bulls.

The Bulls led York City Knights 6-4 last Sunday when the game was called off due to ‘lack of light.’

“We will see what it is like when we get there,” added Duffy. “It is always tough going to Dewsbury and I don’t expect this game to be any different.”

Duffy has virtually a full squad to choose from with just Lewis Bienek and Liam Forsyth unavailable though Hull FC loanee Bienek will play in the reserves on Saturday.

Vice-captain Liam Hood, left out of the Wigan friendly as a precaution, returns.

The Rams beat Bradford 25-12 in their final pre-season friendly with two tries from Jon Magrin.

Previously, Lee Greenwood’s side lost 26-24 in another warm-up game against Keighley and drew 14-all with Batley Bulldogs.

This season in the Championship there will be no draws as Super League’s golden point rule has been adopted for the lower tier competitions.

“It is exciting for the fans,” says Duffy about the concept.

“And I suppose for the players as well.

“So, we have made sure we have done scenarios on that so we know what to do if the situation arises.”