THE Centurions expect their new defensive mean streak to be put to the test at Featherstone on Sunday writes Mike Hulme

Having conceded just four tries in their opening three games of the season, Leigh are proud of the way they've tightened things at the back.

But as they bid for a place in the Powergen Challenge Cup fifth round - and a possible crack at a Super League side for a third successive season - Leigh know that they face a big test from attack-minded Rovers at Lionheart Stadium.

"How well we defend will go a long way to deciding the winners," declares coach Paul Terzis. "We've worked really hard in the off-season on our defensive structure and I think we're starting to see the benefit of that.

"Against Swinton last Sunday, for example, we made 292 tackles in the 80 minutes and only missed 23. Despite all their pressure and possession, Swinton only managed two tries - one a penalty try and another from a deflected kick. I'm pleased with our efforts in that area.

"Like us, Rovers are trying to bed new players into their team but I expect them to be the same attack-minded side they've been in the last few years.

"Sunday is a big day for us. I can feel that my players are 'up' for the game. They firmly believe it's a game they can go and win.

"We'll go to there place and score points, make no mistake about that. I honestly believe that if we defend as well as we have done in our three previous games, we'll reach the next round."

Terzis has still to decide on the complete make-up of his side but has confirmed that full-back Dave Alstead and winger Alan Hadcroft, both rested against Swinton, will return. Half-back Willie Swann is also available after an extended close season break in New Zealand but is unlikely to figure this weekend.

"I've got several selection options in mind," adds Terzis. "For I've got to decide which half-back combination to start with; who starts at hooker and who will be best in the second row. It's a nice problem to have and given me plenty of food for thought."

While the Leigh camp is in confident mood, history is against a Leigh success.

Leigh's record at Post Office Road is poor. In 25 league and cup post war visits, Leigh have only returned victorious on five occasions and have only won once since 1989.

In the post war era the two clubs have met seven times in the Challenge Cup. Again Rovers have the upper hand, winning five times including two semi-finals.