DAVE Whittle's loan move to Challenge Cup finalists St Helens was completed with the full blessing of Leigh Centurions' coach Paul Terzis.

Saints' massive injury list forced coach Ian Millward to return to his former club and ask for the Welsh international front rower on loan for a month.

Whittle made his Saints debut in last Saturday's controversial defeat at Bradford but he won't be eligible for the Cup final against Wigan this weekend.

Explained Terzis: "Saints made an enquiry and we thought it was a great opportunity for Dave to test himself against some of the best sides in the country.

"We think the move will also benefit the Leigh club. He's going to get the chance to play top flight Rugby League over the next few weeks and hopefully he'll come back to us a better player for that experience.

"We're not looking down the avenue of a permanent move for now. But if he performs outstandingly we won't hold him back. It would be ridiculous for us to do that."

Whittle spent a month on loan at Warrington last season before returning to Hilton Park.

With no game scheduled for this weekend, Terzis has given his players the full week off. They report back next Monday to prepare for the final Buddies National League qualifying game at Barrow on Sunday week.