LEIGH Centurions will be without their St Helens dual registration stars for Sunday’s Coral Challenge Cup fourth round clash at in-form Sheffield Eagles (kick-off 3pm).

It is to stop them being cup-tied should Saints need them.

But head coach John Duffy is happy his squad can cover the losses including England Knights call-ups Danny Richardson and Aussie prop, Luke Douglas.

Martyn Ridyard, Nick Gregson and Andy Thornley come into contention for the trip to Olympic Legacy Park and its artificial surface.

“It is not going to be tough for us to get up for it,” said Duffy, still smarting from last Sunday’s 26-12 Betfred Championship defeat at Bradford Bulls.

“It is an opportunity now for our lads and they have got to take it with both hands.

“We will be on a fast surface and Mark Aston has been good getting his recruitment right.

“So, we have got to go there with the right attitude.

“Sheffield have got an aggressive pack and an experienced half in Anthony Thackeray. Bringing back Pat Walker back and having James Davey at nine, is also really smart so it’s no wonder they are getting the wins.”

Duffy was less happy with the performance of match officials, including referee Tom Grant, at Bradford.

“It was more than frustration,” he said.

“I know we have dropped down from Super League and I was expecting him to blow his whistle quite a lot .

“I had prepped my lads.

“But to get vital decisions wrong:; two tries one from a knock on and the other when a player’s head was in touch was 12 points gifted to another team.

“Richardson was kneed three times in the head and Bradford got a penalty.

“It is one of the worse decisions I have ever seen.”

Hooker Liam Hood suffered a bang to his knee at Odsal but is expected to be fit for the trip to Eagles.