World Cup jinx strikes again

Swann, the Samoan scrum-half, broke a bone in his hand against Australia in the quarter-final and has had a pinning operation.

But the injury sounds worse than it is and Swann will only be out for two weeks and should have fully recovered for the start of Leigh's Northern Ford Premiership campaign on December 10.

Swann is Leigh's second World Cup injury victim, joining prop Dave Whittle on the sidelines. Whittle will be absent for about another six weeks after damaging neck ligaments while playing for Wales.

"It's a bit of a disappointment for us," concedes head coach Paul Terzis. "Willie broke a small bone in the back of his in the first minute against Australia and needs a minor operation to have it pinned.

"He will only be out for about two weeks but it means he misses the two pre-season trials against South Sydney this week and Oldham on November 28. He might not have played against Souths because he's figured in every game for Samoa and he's had a very hectic schedule."

But Leigh's other World Cup stars are all likely to feature against Souths at Hilton Park tomorrow, kick off 7.30pm.

Liam Bretherton and Dave Bradbury have reported back to Hilton Park after leaving the Irish squad .

"I'm not sure whether Chris Morley will play against Souths because he's another who has had some heavy playing and travelling commitments with Wales over the last month," adds Terzis. "We'll wait and see how he feels."

Terzis has named a 22-man squad for Tuesday's big game and all will feature at some stage.

Included are new signings Simon Svabic, John Duffy, Liam Bretherton, Dave Bradbury, Dave Jones and Martin Roden. Roden, a 20-year-old hooker or back rower from Wigan's Alliance side, has become Leigh's eighth off-season signing.

Terzis says of his new recruit: "He's knocked back guaranteed first team football at other clubs to join us. He's willing to back his own ability and we're happy to have him on board."