NEIL Jukes has described Leigh’s return to Middle 8s action against Widnes Vikings next month as “another must win game.”

And while defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers still rankles with the Centurions’ head coach, he is happy enough with his team’s Qualifiers position ahead of this weekend’s break for the Challenge Cup final.

Centurions’ 30-6 win over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan last Saturday proved a perfect tonic after the previous weekend’s home set-back.

“Four from six isn’t a disgrace but six out of six would have been perfect,” said Jukes.

“We have got to make sure though we don’t sit back and ponder over it.

“We have put ourselves in a good position to try and cement our place back in Super League.

“So, it’s another must win game against Widnes.

“Whoever wins that one will get a foothold in the competition.

“The other one will find themselves scrapping for the remaining six points.

“Widnes have got two over on us this season so we are going to have to do certain things better than we have previously against them.

“Every game is a cup final.”

And having beaten Catalans at the third attempt in 2015, Jukes hopes it’s also third time lucky against Denis Betts’ Vikings at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, September 3.

He will find it hard to change a winning team that included a recall for Ben Reynolds at stand-off after missing his team’s four previous games.

“We were a stronger squad this week with Reynolds at six,” said Jukes.

“He has been very good for us this year.

“And his best matches have been when he’s come back from a few games off.

“And it showed again at the weekend.”

Leigh’s win in France coincided with Keiron Cunningham’s first game as Director of Rugby.

“Keiron has had a look at the stuff on and off the field and offered advice,” said Jukes.

“What’s key is he is in for the fight.

“He is not here to harm the club, he’s here to help.

“Any little subtle ways he can do that we are open for it.

“Anything that improves us one or two percent and it makes a difference then it is superb.”

*Leigh’s remaining Middle 8’s fixtures are: Widnes, Warrington (a), September 9, Halifax (h), September 15; London Broncos (a), September 22.