LEIGH Centurions return to league action on Sunday but with a home tie banked in round five of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup against Betfred Championship rivals, London Broncos.

That is Centurions’ reward for an 8-4 victory against Batley Bulldogs last Sunday at ice station Mount Pleasant.

Caretaker boss Kieron Purtill hopes his team’s knockout win in freezing temperatures can prove a springboard towards the more important goal of Super League promotion.

And by the time undefeated Broncos visit Leigh Sports Village on the weekend of April 21/22, Centurions’ prospects could be significantly improved.

Tuesday night’s pairings ensured Leigh missed one of four Super League outfits entering the competition at this stage. Danny Ward’s Broncos are the only side in the top two divisions with a 100 percent winning record.

The eight winners will then meet last season’s Super 8’s contenders for a place in the quarter-finals.

Leigh haven’t reached the last eight since 2015 after losing first time out to Toulouse 12 months later and to Hull KR in 2017.

The full draw is: Warrington v Hunslet/Bradford Bulls, Barrow v Toronto Wolfpack, Widnes Vikings v Coventry Bears/ Pilkington Recs, Leigh v London, Whitehaven v Rochdale, Halifax/Oldham v Hull KR, Doncaster v North Wales Crusaders v Featherstone, York City Knights v Catalans Dragons.

Leigh’s cup win has certainly given Purtill a selection dilemma for the right reason for the first time this year.

“I don’t know how many teams will have gone to Batley and stopped them scoring a try,” said Purtill.

“We talked about our defensive process and turning up for the full 80 minutes which is what we did.

“Some of the guys who came in on debut-Nick Gregson, Jordan Dezaria and Ricky Bailey-gave us more impetus.”

Versatile Jordan Lilley is available to face the Rams after being cup tied as part of his loan deal from Leeds and prop Jamie Acton is free from suspension.

Former Dewsbury loanee, Ben Reynolds, could also be in line for a quicker than expected return after limping out of the home defeat to Featherstone on March 4. “He is touch and go for this week,” confirmed Purtill.

Dewsbury arrive having suffered a surprise 25-18 Challenge Cup exit at League One Whitehaven.

But the Rams, coached by Neil Kelly and who recently signed Swinton’s Welsh international half-back, Danny Ansell, have won three of their opening five Championship fixtures.

“Dewsbury are a big, physical side who will look to come here and test us,” added Purtill.

“But for once, we can look back and say we have done some really good things in a game rather than trying to keep fixing things up.”

*Leigh have confirmed the departure of strength and conditioning coach, Paul Wood. The former Warrington star is thought to have resigned though no reason for his departure has been given.