Leigh boss Paul Rowley is hunting a new full-back after confirming Gregg McNally will undergo surgery after injuring knee ligaments in last Sunday’s 46-4 defeat at Warrington.

But the Centurions chief has already named Andrew Dixon in his team to face Batley Bulldogs in the Kingstone Press Championship opener on February 7.

McNally, 25, who has scored 53 tries in 92 games since in 2012, is expected to be out longer than the original hope of six to seven weeks and Rowley admits: "We will probably need to bring someone in.

“With Gregg missing it leaves us a little vulnerable so we need to bolster. But there are loads of players out there so we will chuck some names around and see who we come up with.”

Rowley insists “there will be no dramas” if the Championship favourites can’t recruit before the trip to Mount Pleasant.

“Jonny Pownall, Ryan Brierley and Rangi Chase can all play full-back. We are not desperate but anymore injuries and there could be a problem.

“Gregg has got ligament damage and will require an operation. It will be a few months.”

Rowley remains upbeat despite the injuries and the heavy defeat to impressive Wire. “There were some really good performances so loads of positives” he explained. “We conceded seven tries down our right edge so some obvious issues not helped by the injuries to both Gregg and Greg Worthington

“But I took a lot from the game. I think Warrington will do well while likewise with a full complement of players on our edges there were some positive signs.

“Both Reni (Maitua) and ‘H’ (Harrison Hansen) missed the Warrington game. They are two strong players on the edges who will make a huge difference. I am looking forward to having them back.”

Rowley was particularly impressed with Andrew Dixon’s display at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and previous friendly win over Wigan.

“Andrew’s contributions and the way he has applied himself have been excellent so I want to single him out for praise,” he said.

“We gave him things to work on and he has been tireless in his efforts. And it has shown in his performances.

“I will put my neck on the line now and say he will play against Batley-no matter what.” Leigh will play a second opposed session against Huddersfield on Friday (Jan 22) as part of their preparations for the new season.

n Pack stars Gareth Hock and Jake Emmitt have signed new contract extensions until 2018. Welsh international Emmitt has agreed a new 12 month deal and Hock’s deal applies irrespective of Leigh playing in Super League or the Championship.

n Sunday’s Family Fun Day and Rugby Festival has been cancelled due to lack of interest. Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: "It is always regretful to have to cancel an event or in some ways to be seen to fail at something.

“But sometimes in life and business you have to put your hand up and accept that something hasn’t worked and move on accordingly.

"With only four teams entered for the Sevens and 39 tickets sold it would not have been a worthwhile event for those who have made the purchases and would be unfair to them as they would not get the value they deserve.”

Full refunds are available and as a gesture for the inconvenience caused to those entering a team, a wrist band for access to the Banqueting Suite post match at the Oldham fixture on February 14 will be made available.