Former Widnes winger Stefan Marsh will always have affection for his old club but moving to Leigh has helped him fall back in love with rugby league.

Centurions’ 2019 games against the Vikings were the first ones Marsh looked for when the Betfred Championship fixtures were released.

And he’s relishing a reunion with old team mates on Good Friday, especially Chris Dean, an usher at his wedding on New Year’s Eve, 2018.

But he has no regrets switching between derby rivals and also going part-time.

“We had a couple of bad seasons at Widnes and I didn’t enjoy my rugby as much as I should have done,” said Wigan born Marsh, 28, who played more than 150 times for the Vikings.

“One of my goals when I moved back to Leigh was to get back enjoying playing and I have done that.

“I have loved every minute of it I am really happy,” added Marsh who expects to be playing both holiday games against Widnes and Dewsbury on Easter Monday.

Kieron Purtill’s Widnes have won six of their eight games but remain bottom of the table after suffering a 12-point deduction for going into. The sides kick-off with Leigh 10 points better off in fifth place.

Now a qualified personal trainer Marsh expects his old club to eventually climb the table.

“I thought they would be up there and one of our rivals in the league, especially being in full-time environment,” he explained.

“Kieron is a good coach and they have got some good players. But there is nothing we fear from that full-time team. We have trained well and prepared well.”

Marsh agreed he had empathy with his former team mates when Widnes almost went out of business earlier this year.

“I still have friends there and when you hear about lads not getting paid you feel for them,” he said. “I am glad they are sorted now and looking forward to the challenge.”

Leigh return to action after unluckily going down 14-10 to Super League Hull KR in the Challenge Cup. At the same time Widnes defeated York City Knights 44-12.

“We had a real dig and it will give us a lot confidence coming into the Easter period where we want to win both games,” added Marsh.

“Easter is really tough on the lads. And I have not been through it as a part time player before.

“It is hard on the body with the game getting quicker and more physical.

“But I have always enjoyed training and now I work in a gym as well. Besides, being a winger, I always get asked to play both games.”

Leigh boss John Duffy, who has known opposite number Purtill since their days at St Edmund Arrowsmith School, said: “We played our cup ties as early as possible so we could get a couple more days rest which has helped our lads.

“I said when we drew Hull KR that game would stand us in good stead for Easter so we have got to make sure we back that up now.”