THE waiting game is finally over for head coach John Duffy on Saturday as Leigh launch their pre-season campaign at 2019 Super League Grand Final runners-up, Salford Red Devils.

Duffy can’t wait to see how his squad-recovered from a gruelling recent visit to the Anderton outdoor activity centre, tests itself against Ian Watson’s top flight outfit.

He is promising all players chance to test themselves and stake a claim for the Betfred Championship opener at Dewsbury on Friday, January 31.

“They will be hard to beat,” said Duffy of neighbours Salford “There is a reason why they got to the Grand Final last year.

“But it is a challenge we need as a squad to see where we are at.

“It will be good to watch us play for the first time together and good for me to review a game at last.

“We will use all our squad but we will do it constructively. There will be a plan behind what we are doing to make sure everyone gets game time. We won’t be doing it willy-nilly.”

On the two-day training camp Duffy added: “The players were brilliant.

“We got through some physically demanding things, team building exercises and some tough, mental challenges as well.

“The Anderton centre was a superb facility and hopefully it will stand us in good stead.”

The Red Devils have lost key personnel from their Old Trafford squad including Great Britain stars, Jackson Hastings and Josh Jones.

But Watson has recruited well bringing in the likes of former England half-back Kevin Brown, Wigan’s double Grand Final winner, Dan Sarginson and powerhouse forward, Sebastian Ikahihifo, on loan from Huddersfield where he was named in the 2017 Dream Team.

The newcomers appear to have bedded in well as Salford opened their pre-season campaign by running in 10-tries against second tier Swinton last Sunday with doubles from Kris Welham and Niall Evalds.

Kick off in 12 noon.

Brown, who made three Leigh appearances at the end of last season, was a second half substitute in the 52-4 victory.

But Watson expects a tougher workout against the Centurions.

“It will be a good test against Leigh,” he says: “They play a similar style and like to move the ball around.

“Swinton tested us on our edges and caught us a couple of times on our inside shoulders. So, there have been a few things for us to look at.”

Fans are reminded the game at the AJ Bell Stadium kicks-off at 12 noon to avoid a clash with Manchester United’s Premier League fixture with Norwich City.