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.