WILLIE Swann feels for his old mates at Hunslet Hawks. But all sentiment will go out of the window on Sunday when the Centurions' scrum-half renews acquaintances.

The Samoan international returns to South Leeds Stadium keen to cement his place in Paul Terzis' starting line-up and play his part in what is widely expected to be Leigh's 14th NFP win in 15 games.

Swann spent a couple of years with the Hawks before moving to Hilton Park in the off season and admits he's sorry to see one of his former clubs struggling on and off the field.

"It's a great shame the way things have panned out at Hunslet," says Swann. "Don't forget its only two years ago that they were in the NFP Grand Final, but since then it's been downhill.

"They're doing it tough at the moment and I genuinely hope that better times lie ahead for them - but only after Sunday of course!"

Almost six months after first arriving at Hilton Park, Swann finally feels he's starting to re-discover the sort of form that alerted Leigh in the first place.

"I almost came here towards the end of last season but there was a problem with the five-year residency and I had to wait a few more months before I could sign. It was a frustrating wait but I'm happy I'm here now.

"I signed round about the time the World Cup was starting and I was away a few weeks with the Samoan squad and I missed a lot of a pre-season work with Leigh. Then in our final group game against Australia at Watford I broke a bone in my hand and that needed surgery, so I was held up again," he reveals.

"I know I made a slow start to my Leigh career because it was strange getting used to a new set of players, a new coach and new moves but over the last few weeks I think I've been finding a bit of form again. It was difficult to break into the side at first because they made such a great start to the season but now I've got my chance I intend to make the most of it."

Swann was given his first league start in his favoured scrum-half role at Keighley last week and was a stand-out performer as Leigh beat their nearest rivals and opened up a three point lead at the top of the table.

"Yes, I was pretty happy with my game at Keighley, especially on the defensive side of things. But I still think I've got a lot more to offer attack-wise.

"This has been one of the best moves of my career. It's a progressive club with quality players, a good coach and great fan base. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself and feel right at home.

"It's the club's ambition to get into Super League that was a big attraction for me. No disrespect to two of my other clubs, Rochdale and Hunslet, but I don't think they had the same drive. I came to Leigh to win things and everything I've seen so far has convinced me I made the right move.

"It's been remarkable the way Leigh club's been turned round in the last couple of years. I think it's only three years ago I played against the likes of Kieron Purtill and Dave Whittle in a game at Rochdale and Leigh looked a poor side that day. I think we won by 50 points and I scored four tries.

"Things have turned full circle since then and I now know I'm at a club that shares the same dreams and ambitions as myself."

Coach Paul Terzis is also happy with what he's seen. "Willie's a total professional, on and off the field and his attitude has rubbed off on some of the younger guys. It is pleasing to see him fit in so well.

"He wants to achieve things in rugby league and wants to achieve them with us."