LEIGH legend Micky Higham will play it again one final time next month in the Centurions’ annual ‘Battle of the Borough’ clash with Wigan Warriors.

And the 37-year-old former England and Great Britain hooker is delighted to get an opportunity for a proper send-off.

Higham’s previous outing was the Million Pound Game heartbreak against Catalans Dragons last October before confirming his retirement a few weeks later.

Now, he’s pulling on his boots once more for Leigh’s only home pre season fixture before their Kingstone Press Championship opener against Toronto Wolfpack.

“I want to say a proper good bye to the fans, especially those in the North Stand, who have been brilliant with me since I re-joined the club,” said Higham of the game at LSV on Sunday, January 21.

“I just hope Wigan go easy on me. Knowing my luck Shaun Wane will pick his strongest 13. I’ll play hooker but perhaps defend on the wing.”

Higham now divides his time between the club’s community department and coaching duties.

“The first few weeks I really struggled,” admitted the dad of two.

“I knew it was coming and if truth be told 12 months early.

“But I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life. It’s about making the transition as smooth as possible.

“I had slim hopes I might get another year and hopefully help the lads get back into Super League.

“That would have been me signed off with a nice finish. So, I didn’t quite end on my terms.

“However, when you are a rugby player you feel like you are going to play forever.

“When you have done something you love since the age of seven it is going to be difficult to change

“I am a laid back guy and I can adjust and I will work just as hard in my new career paths.”

And Higham is optimistic he will be fit for a cameo performance against the Warriors in the New Year.

“I have trained nearly every day, either on my own or with a couple of the lads,” he explained.

“I have also got the Tri Fitness gym at Leigh and I have been jumping in with with classes there.

“Hopefully, I can get the ball in my hand and do some team training before and after Christmas.

“I don’t want to be going out there throwing too many wayward passes.”

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “I am looking forward to seeing Micky play his last game in a Leigh shirt.

“And having also played for Wigan it’s perhaps a great setting for his finale.

“Micky has been a legend in the game and is a legend of a bloke and a great role model to his own children and those in the rugby community. I hope he gets the fitting send off he deserves.”