But in the short term, the former Wigan and Warrington star can’t wait to roll back the years when Leopards’ travel to Bradford Bulls on Sunday.

Hughes, 34, is off contract at the end of the season but has proved a versatile and reliable player for Adrian Lam in the club’s injury ravaged campaign.

“It is something I need to wrap up sooner rather than later,” he told Journal Sport ahead of Leigh’s first Super League game at Odsal for 21 years.

“Whether that be the club offers me another deal and I do another 12 months. Or I consider hanging up my boots. “But my body feels okay and I am not being forced into that kind of decision. However, I would like a decision in the next month or so.”

Hughes reckons Leigh need to take the ‘Odsal factor’ out of the occasion as they look for a sixth win in seven games.

“Bradford are good to watch and I have enjoyed seeing them play when I have had the chance.

“So, it’s going to be a challenge for us. A lot of the boys will have never played there or even stepped foot inside the ground.

“They play well with the ball and ask a lot of questions about your defence. We will need to be at our best to give ourselves a chance to pick up the two points.”

Leigh lost 58-12 in 2005 while Hughes admits he struggles to recall the last time he appeared at the famous old ground.

“It’s a long time since I played there,” he agrees. “So, I am looking forward to going back and seeing what it is all about.

“It’s rich in history and the ground used to be full to the brim with people. Our fans usually travel well and they will be picking up fans as well so it should be a good Sunday afternoon out.”

It’s 12 years since Hughes, then a Wigan player, previously trod the famous turf. And maybe a 16-8 defeat clouded his memory of that 2014 Super League encounter.

Hughes was a try scorer as Leigh saw off Castleford 24-14 last time out to maintain their push for the top six.

“We have picked up some form recently, possibly down to more consistency in the spine,” he explained. “And it was a satisfying two points.”

Bradford, coached by former Leigh player and interim head coach, Kurt Haggerty, were 30-20 winners over York last time out to move upto ninth.