IF Leigh Centurions win Sunday's play-off semi-final, just 3000 fans will be there to cheer them on in the Grand Final! writes Mike Hulme

The Rugby Football League have this week told the competing finalists, Huddersfield and either Leigh or Batley, that their allocations for the all-ticket showdown at Widnes's Halton Stadium on October 12, will be just 3000 each.

Other allocations from the 11,500 capacity will go the finalists of the NFP Division One play-off, who will play as a curtain-raiser, (1000 per club) with the remaining 3500 being distributed by the RFL to sponsors and other clubs.

The decision is certain to anger the Centurions who, assuming they beat Batley on Sunday, will be put in a position of having regular fans unable to watch them battle for a place in Super League on the biggest day of the season.

Leigh's average home crowds this season have been a fraction over 2400 but they took more than that number to Huddersfield for the Major Semi-Final two weeks ago and for the Challenge Cup tie against Wigan back in March, shifted over 6000 tickets.

Leigh are anticipating major problems and, therefore, will introduce a strict priority sales plan.

Tickets limited

Tickets will go on sale first to season ticket holders between the hours of noon and 7pm on Monday, October 7. Tickets will be limited to one per membership.

Junior Centurions may purchase a ticket when an adult season ticket holder purchases their ticket at the same time but the allocation for Junior Centurions is extremely limited.

Any Junior Centurion who purchases a ticket for the final can then buy a junior replica jersey at a special offer price of £10.

On Tuesday, October 8 between noon and 7pm tickets go on sale to Super Leigh Lottery and LISA members. Again tickets are limited to one per membership.

In all cases proof of membership must be shown. The club will operate a strict no membership card, no ticket policy.

Any remaining unsold tickets will go on general sale on Wednesday, October 9 from noon to 7pm.

"It's a situation that is completely out of our hands," says Leigh's marketing boss Mike Callaghan. "We have tried to get the allocation increased, but with no success. It's so frustrating.

"Now, because of the low number of tickets allocated, we cannot guarantee supporters ticket availability even on their allocated day."

The club is unable to reserve tickets.

Tickets are priced £14 and £12 for adults and £7 and £6 for children and concessions.