As it happened: Wigan Warriors come from behind to edge past Leigh Centurions

And that just about all we have time for this evening.

It's been a fantastic Super League return, last season's Grand Finalists - Wigan and St Helens - both got off to winning starts in their quest for the title.

Until next time, I've been Tom Young. Goodnight.

Heartbreak for the Centurions, as Wigan come from 18-0 down to edge past their local rivals by 20 points to 18.

Leigh chairman Derek Beaumont looks a perplexed figure as he tries to work out how his side let that one slip.

Credit to Wigan though, who overcame the early loss of Jai Field to find a way to win and get their season off to the perfect start.

Leigh will have one last cache to find a late winner, but they'll have to go the full length of the field if they are to do so.

They begin this set on their own goal line.

The Centurions are trying their hand by throwing the ball around in search of a late response but the Wigan defence stands firm.

Leigh have 10 minutes to find a response.

They lead 18-0 after 30 minutes in this one!

Hardaker adds the extras to give Wigan the lead for the first time this evening.

And just like that, Wigan are level!

Zak Hardaker spots a gap and races 60 metres upfield before finding the supporting Jake Bibby who dives over to level the scoring.

Hardaker adds the extras.

Joe Bullock goes over to cut the deficit even further!

The big Wigan forward picked up the ball 5 metres out before spotting a gap and putting on the burners to dive over.

Play is stopped whilst the medics see to John Bateman who picked up a knock in the tackle.

It's been end-to-end stuff in the opening exchanges of the second half, but neither side have added to the scoring as of yet.

 

We're back underway here.

The Leigh Centurions take a 10 point advantage into the sheds!

The Super League newbies raced into an 18-0 advantage inside the opening half hour before Wigan hit back just before the break through quick fire tries from Bibby and Hardaker.

It's all to play for in the second 40.

 

Zak Hardaker misses an absolute gimme on the hooter to leave Wigan 10 behind at the break.

Like London buses..

Jake Bibby breaks down the right flank before finding the supporting Zak Hardaker who dives over to cut the deficit even further.

Zak Hardaker hits the post with his touchline attempt.

Leigh lead 18-4.

Wigan are on the scoreboard!

John Bateman does incredibly well to fire an offload wide to Willie Isa who draws his man before finding Jake Bibby who dives over in the corner.

Jai Field will play no further part in this one after pulling his hamstring earlier this evening.

The problems mount for the Warriors!

Brierley makes it 3/3.

Leigh lead 18-0!

You couldn't write it! Liam Hood makes the break and sends a kick over the top for Ben Hellwell to chase. The Leigh man is first to the kick and does sensationally well to scoop the ball up and spin over to extend his sides lead!

Ryan Brierley makes it two from two with his touchline conversion.

Leigh lead by 12 points to nil.

The Centurions are in dreamland!

Iain Thornley goes over in the left corner to extend Leigh's lead.

They open up a ten point advantage with the kick to come.

It comes to nothing though as Jai Field intercepts the ball on the first.

Jai Field looks to race away but injures himself in the process as he hyperextends his leg in an attempt to keep his balance.

Adrian Lam looks a worried figure on the touchline.

Handley knocks on at the play the ball to hand Leigh the ball 10 metres out.

A golden opportunity to add to their lead here.

Wigan get their first look at the line as Singleton goes over, but it's pulled back for a knock on in the build up.

Leigh are full value for their lead so far.

Ryan Brierley adds the extras.

What a start for the Centurions!

Leigh look to have opened the scoring as Liam Hood goes over from dummy half.

Or does he? Video Referee Robert Hicks will check the grounding.

Robert Hicks gives it the green light, Leigh lead!

A promising start for the Centurions, who are dominating the field territory in the early exchanges.

They'll have six tackles 15 metres out as Jake Bibby knocks on.

Wigan collect the kick-off as this one gets underway!

The teams have taken to the Headingley pitch, kick off is moments away.

The full time whistle has just sounded in the first game of the evening, with St Helens running out 29-6 victors over the Salford Red Devils.

We'll be underway in this one in a little under 15 minutes time.

And for the Warriors tonight: 

 

Here is how the Centurions line up tonight:

 

Tonight's match between the Leigh Centurions and the Wigan Warriors will be played at Headingley Stadium, Leeds.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

And here is the 21-man squad that Adrian Lam will select from ahead of tonight's clash:

 

Here is the 21-man squad for Leigh's Super League return this evening:

 

Despite being overwhelming favourites for tonight's clash, Wigan forward Sam Powell is taking nothing for granted.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Powell spoke of the need to be smart against their local rivals:

“They are going to be hungry, they’ll want to start the game well. I’m sure John Duffy will have them fired up. We have to match what they bring and bring our smarts in when the game begins to slow down.”

 

The Wigan Warriors will be hoping to get off to a fast start as they look to bounce back from Grand Final heartbreak last time out.

Last seasons League Leaders Shield winners enter the game as big favourites, with all eyes on new half-back Jai Field, who is set to make his Super League debut.

The Leigh Centurions are back in the Super League.

The Centurions were voted to take up the 12th and final Super League spot following the demise of the Toronto Wolfpack.

2021 marks their third appearance in the top flight, though they will be hoping to fare better than they have previously, having been relegated in their previous two campaigns.

Hello and welcome to coverage of tonight's Super League clash between Leigh Centurions and the Wigan Warriors.

I am Tom Young and I'll be your host for this evenings game.

We will provide you with pre-game analysis, roster updates and news as it's happening live here on VAVEL.com