WILL Dagger’s brief Leigh career isn’t over despite collecting a four-match ban for a dangerous throw in Centurions’ 38-0 Betfred Championship Shield win over Barrow.

And head coach Kieron Purtill is full of praise for the versatile on loan Hull KR back now back in light training after suffering a bad bout of concussion in the same fixture.

Dagger’s grade D charge carried a three to five game tariff. But he will be free to return for Leigh’s final regular Shield fixture at Dewsbury on September 30 and next month’s final against Sunday’s opponents, Featherstone Rovers.

Greg Richards escaped with a caution from the match review panel after making dangerous contact with an opponent in the Barrow game.

Despite his ban, Dagger, contracted with the Robins until 2020, has impressed Purtill and the rest of Leigh’s coaching staff.

And they will welcome him back into the side before the end of the season.

“Will has been brilliant and a breath of fresh air,” said Purtill. “His attitude has been first class.

“Everyone can see he is a talented young player and will have a big future in the game.

“Hopefully, we will see him in a Leigh shirt for a few more games before the end of the season.

“But it’s not just Will all the guys who joined us recently have been fantastic as well: Jordan Walne and Josh Johnson from Hull KR as well as Adam Walne from the Giants.”

Dagger returned to light training this week following his concussion concern. The 19-year-old spent the night in hospital on a drip after the Barrow victory.

“Will has got to follow the RFL’ return to play protocol’ but he has done some light training and hopefully he can step it up once he’s had his head test.”

The leading team after the next five Shield games, including this weekend’s trip to West Yorkshire, will host the final.

Leigh currently head the eight-team section with a points difference of 19 in their favour over Featherstone.

“The boys are looking forward to it,” added Purtill. “We are carrying a few little niggles and that’s putting pressure on the squad which is quite small anyway.

“Hopefully though, we can get it right this weekend which will help us get the game back at Leigh.”

Purtill has doubts over Jordan Dezaria, Liam Hood and Jack Owens while prop Jamie Acton is still banned.

Acton has served five of his seven game suspension and will be available for selection for the trip to Rochdale Hornets on September 16.

“The guys who have got the shirts have been playing well and they get first priority,” added Purtill.

“But if someone gets injured or is unavailable then it is up to you to take the opportunity and grab it with both hands. Jamie is no different from anyone.”

French winger Ilias Bergal comes back into contention after missing the Barrow victory for disciplinary reasons.