CORY Paterson reckons Leigh will shrug off the disappointment of last Sunday’s defeat at Featherstone to mount a serious challenge for the Betfred Championship top five.

The big Australian scored two first half tries against Rovers but a 24-20 loss dropped Centurions to fifth place ahead of this weekend’s trip to Barrow.

Only two points cover the four sides below runaway leaders Toronto Wolfpack while Bradford are just one victory off the play-off zone thanks to a superb away win in Toulouse last Saturday.

“We are nowhere near the standard we can play,” said former Toronto forward Paterson.

“I don’t know if it was a wake-up call but it was a kick in the backside. We now have to try and right the wrongs.

“We have some work to do but I am sure we will get back on track. We wouldn’t be busting our backsides if we didn’t believe we can finish in the five.

“The Championship is a great competition with a lot of great clubs.

“You just need to find some consistency, have a bit of luck with injuries, work hard and take your opportunities when you get them.”

Paterson refused to make excuses for only Leigh’s second defeat in 12 league and cup fixtures.

“Fev wanted it more than we did,” he added. “They stuck at it for the full 80 and we fell off a bit.

“They are a good side but we knew what we had to do and didn’t do it. They were the better side.”

Paterson, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on July 14, has proved an astute signing

“I am still not match fit,” he said. “So, I have got to keep taking myself to the hard parts of the game and getting through them. Hopefully, I’ll get there soon.”

Leigh Centurions’ Golf Day, sponsored by Profile Patterns, takes place on Friday 12 July at Hindley Hall Golf Club and will include instruction clinics and golfing challenges.