KIERON Purtill has spelled out the dire consequences of Leigh failing to have a chance of a Super League return – with part-time rugby a possibility.
The relegated Centurions have a chance to show they can still beat top flight sides when they face Salford in the Challenge Cup tonight.
But interim boss Purtill, whose long-term future will not be sorted until after round 23, admitted it is vital that they at least finish in the Championship’s top four to have a stab at promotion.
He said: “There are massive implications for the club if we’re not in the top four, on and off the field.
“We’ve got to be there. Everyone knows the funding in the Championship isn’t the same. We invested heavily in our squad so there’s going to have to be cutbacks or things addressed if the money’s not there.
“But I don’t think we’ve a point to prove, tonight is a good test to see where we’re at.”
Leeds coach Brian McDermott believes many people missed the point when he questioned why games are refereed differently at the end of the season than the start after their loss at Hull, meaning fewer penalties and a more free flowing game.
As his men head to Widnes, he said: “I think as a sport we should be strong enough to question how we want the game to look in the future.”
Huddersfield welcome back England winger Jermaine McGillvary for the clash with Wakefield but they have been assured they will not be kicked out of their stadium should Huddersfield Town stay in the Premier League.
SunSport has been told there is no chance of the Super League strugglers being told to leave, even if the authority sells it stake to Terriers’ owner Dean Hoyle.
A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “John Smith’s Stadium is owned and managed by Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, a joint venture between Huddersfield Town Football Club, Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants RL Club.
“Any business critical decisions require the consent of all three shareholders.”
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