Leigh take aim at Salford for first scalp of season

Leigh face their most important Super League game so far when Salford come to The Coliseum today. After a poor start against Huddersfield, an improved display at Warrington last week hinted that the promoted Centurions might enjoy a win or two before too long.

Salford survived their return to the top division last season with a policy of targeting winnable games and their coach, Karl Harrison, believes they will be in Leigh's sights.

"I think they'll have a similar plan - of winning the games you need to win," said Harrison. "And they will have looked at Salford at home as a game they have to get points from."

However, Leigh's coach, Darren Abram, denies that he is adopting that philosophy. "We don't target any games like that," he insisted. "As a coach, I want to win every game, so they're all equally important."

Leigh's Kevin Henderson is out with a shoulder injury and is replaced by Oliver Wilkes, who has served a one-match suspension. Ben Cooper is set to continue at full-back, in place of Neil Turley. Salford are likely to be unchanged.

Tomorrow, unbeaten Wakefield are at London, who have still not persuaded the Rugby League to allow them to register Vinnie Anderson, the New Zealand Test stand-off with whom they have agreed a three-year contract. The deal has been blocked because other Super League clubs have raised doubts about the Broncos' finances.

Wakefield, still without two of their Australians - Sid Domic and Duncan MacGillivray - are likely to be unchanged.

The other side with a perfect record, Leeds, are without Danny McGuire for the next six weeks and recall Barrie McDermott for the visit of Widnes.

The Rhinos coach, Tony Smith, admits that McGuire will be missed, but expects Rob Burrow to thrive on being given more time on the field.

Hull are still without Stephen Kearney for Warrington's visit to the KC Stadium. The Kiwi forward, judged responsible in an Australian court this week for a tackle that ended Jarrod McCracken's career five years ago, is struggling with a shoulder injury. The Wolves coach, Paul Cullen, is likely to retain the team that beat Leigh last weekend.

In the Northern Rail Cup, Castleford will be without Deon Bird, who came down from Super League with them, for the match against Hunslet. Bird has broken his thumb and may be out for eight weeks.