Leigh coach Neil Jukes saluted former Sydney Roosters halfback Daniel Mortimer as the Super League outfit opened their Qualifiers campaign with a 38-12 win at Championship side Featherstone.
The 2013 premiership winner scored a try and made key assists for two more touchdowns as the Centurions cut loose in the second half after a testing opening period.
"There's a bit of toughness about him," said Jukes of his dynamic playmaker.
"When he comes off the field he looks like has had a scrap with five blokes. He is all over the place.
"But he is a good competitor. His short kicking game was good, he ran well and got some good service. In the main he executed what we spoke about.
"When your halves are decent then as a team you have got a chance. And both him and Josh Drinkwater were decent."
Drinkwater, who played in the NRL with St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers, also scored a try as well as kicking five goals.
Irish fullback Gregg McNally joined Mortimer in bagging a double.
Leigh gained promotion through the qualifiers last season, winning six of their seven games.
"Last year I thought it was the best format in the world, now I think it is the worst," Jukes joked.
In Saturday's later clash Catalans Dragons managed to secure only their second win in eight games as they struggled to come from behind and defeat former Panther Jarrod Sammut's London Broncos 20-18.
Despite facing Championship opposition, the Super League side struggled to break down their opponents, who could have won the game had they made the most of their scoring opportunities.
Former Dragon William Barthau could have had a hat-trick as the visitors flirted with victory, the Broncos halfback dropping the ball twice when close to touching down over the line.
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