PAUL Terzis has warned his players not to get caught up in the mounting Challenge Cup fever.

The Leigh Centurions coach has underlined the dangers of being distracted from their number one goal - winning the NFP and a place in Super League.

"Of course it's great to be involved in the latter stages of a major cup competition, but we must remain focused on our major target," he points out.

Monday's draw for the fifth round of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup paired Leigh with fellow NFP side Whitehaven with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. But before they turn their attentions to Whitehaven, the Centurions face an NFP clash with old rivals Dewsbury at Hilton Park this Sunday.

"Dewsbury come before Whitehaven, and that's how we are approaching it. I don't want any distractions. Only after we've beaten Dewsbury will be think about Whitehaven," he said.

While the Rams may be in the process of rebuilding after several months of turmoil, Terzis still views them as dangerous opposition.

"They didn't have a great start to the season but they seem to be improving week by week and recently they turned Rochdale over, so we have to be on our guard."

But there is no disguising the fact that the Challenge Cup draw has given Leigh a clear route through to the last eight.

Even though the Cumbrians lie in third place in the table, Leigh will start as hot favourites, especially with the tie being at home.

Ironically they can thank Rochdale chairman Ray Taylor for their stoke of good fortune. Mr Taylor drew the home teams out of the bag - but left Leigh sweating until the final pair emerged.

Treat with respect

"The last thing we will be doing is talking about cup quarter-finals," says Terzis. "Whitehaven have improved massively this season and we must treat them with respect. They are the only team to have taken a league point off Huddersfield for example.

"From a financial aspect it was vital we got a home tie, especially after two successive away games in the competition. It will be great for our supporters to see the team at home in a big cup game."

But Terzis has more pressing worries with Eric Andrews, Willie Swann and Gareth Price joining the growing casualty list at Hilton Park.

Emerging winger Andrews was detained in hospital overnight following micro-surgery to repair a badly cut month after an accidental clash at Rochdale. "The healing process is well underway now but he won't play this week," Terzis revealed. "We'll monitor his progress and hope he gets the all-clear for the following week."

Scrum-half Swann, a key figure in the side in recent weeks, is struggling with bruised ribs while prop Gareth Price needed stitches in a cut eye. Both players will need late checks before Terzis names his side for the Dewsbury clash.

He is also waiting for a medical report on centre Paul Anderson who missed the Rochdale with a neck strain. But back in the side is winger Chris Irwin who has been out for five weeks with hamstring trouble and Andy Isherwood, back from a dose of flu but still missing from the squad are Dave Ingram (hamstring), Dave Whittle (calf), Kieron Purtill (shoulder) and Paul Norman (suspended).