KURT Haggerty hopes its third time lucky for winless Leigh when he continues his role as interim coach for Saturday’s visit of Hull FC.

Haggerty has taken charge of narrow defeats in his first two matches since replacing John Duffy.

Next up is Hull FC who won last time out at Castleford, one of five victories for Brett Hodgson’s side from its first nine games.

In contrast, Leigh’s losing streak has now hit double figures including last Saturday’s 36-30 home reverse against Catalans Dragons.

Despite recent losses Haggerty says of his job: “I am really enjoying it. I am probably enjoying it more than I thought I would do.

“However, that’s down to the players and the staff who have been really helpful and responsive.

“There has been no chat with Derek (Beaumont). He is letting me do my thing but I am sure there will be some point when he makes the right decision for the club.”

Haggerty has also been heartened by Leigh’s prowess in attack. Starting the round they had outscored three teams and scored only 25 points fewer than this weekend’s opponents who have played a game less.

“We know we can score points and there was some very good desperation defence against Catalans.

“So, there were a lot of positives in our review but we still have a few things to fix up.

“It hurts that bit more losing these close games but it is only prepping us for when we hit a bit more form and we can come out of those matches on top.

“But there has certainly been progression in the last two games which is pleasing.”

For Hull, it is a second visit in a fortnight to Leigh Sports Village after their Challenge Cup semi-final loss to St Helens.

“There are some big humans among their middles and they have some smart half backs,” agreed Haggerty. “So, we have got to do our due diligence on them.”

Hull haven’t lost at Leigh since a 31-9 defeat at Hilton Park in April 1988.

If selected, Centurions pair, Ben Hellewell and Matty Wildie, will each make their 200 career appearances.

Leigh expect to again be without forwards Ben Flower and Adam Sidlow. However, they have no disciplinary issues after the match review panel took no action against Ben Reynolds, Matty Gee and Nathan Peats for incidents highlighted in the Catalans encounter.

Leigh’s recruitment drive continues as Haggerty says: “We are not rushing and we are looking for the right people to come in in the right positions. But we are not panicking to bring in numbers to fill up training.”

Hull trio Josh Bowden (ankle), Carlos Tuimavave (hamstring) and Cam Scott (shoulder) are doubtful. while former Leigh favourite Joe Cator misses with a calf problem.