RYAN Shaw could pull on a Leigh shirt for the first time in eight years when Centurions launch their Coral Challenge Cup campaign against Batley tonight, kick-off 8pm, writes Trevor Baxter.

Shaw has appeared for home town club Barrow, Swinton, London Broncos, Bradford and Hull KR since the last of his three previous appearances for Leigh.

The 27-year-old most recently played rugby union for Leeds based whipping boys Yorkshire Carnegie. His last game was a 62-10 drubbing by Nottingham on January 31.

Now, the one-time Warrington Academy prospect is back in the 13-a-side game looking to make up for lost time.

“For the last five months I have been over on the dark side as everyone in rugby league says,” said Shaw.

“We have lost 17 games on the bounce which isn’t good but I enjoyed learning the game. It was a good experience.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity so hopefully we can get into Super League where we belong,” added Shaw whose partner comes from Warrington.

“I played with Danny Addy at Bradford and Hull KR and Ben Hellewell was in the Academy with me at Warrington.

“He didn’t actually live with me but he was never away from my house, I know what he is about. But I am looking forward to playing with all the team.”

Leigh kick-off against Batley on top of the Betfred Championship, one of three teams with a 100 percent success rate from their opening three fixtures.

Liam Forsyth scored two of Centurions’ six tries in last Sunday’s 34-0 win over York City Knights.

“It would have been easy with all the new signings to have a shaky start,” admitted Forsyth.

“But in these three games we have been really good. Everyone is chipping in doing their own bit.”

Head coach John Duffy said of victory over York: “That was a very satisfying performance.

“Especially to keep a team as good as York to zero. We started a bit below standard but we had a good chat about things at half-time and picking things up a bit and came away with the win.”

Batley beat Swinton Lions 20-10 last Sunday to claim their first Championship success of 2020.

Half back Jarrod Sammut could be in line for his debut – as is Craig Mullen, who is with the club on season-long loan from Wigan Warriors – after sitting out the first three games due to the form of Ben Reynolds and Josh Woods.

Scottish international prop forward Sam Brooks is also hoping for his first competitive start of 2020.

Forward Nathan Mason is unavailable after suffering a head injury against York but winger Adam Higson is set to return after a recent knock.

Centurions 21-man squad: Iain Thornley, Junior Sa’u, Adam Higson, Ben Reynolds, Jarrod Sammut, Liam Hood, Mark Ioane, Ben Hellewell, Danny Addy, Matty Wildie, Jordan Thompson, Sam Brooks, Tom Spencer, Liam Forsyth, Nick Glohe, Craig Mullen, Callum Field, Cameron Scott, Lewis Bienek, Alex Gerrard, Ryan Shaw.

The fifth-round draw takes place on Monday, February 24.