JUNIOR Sa’u hopes for a return to promotion and relegation next year but won’t be stressing waiting for rugby league bosses to make a decision.

However, Leigh’s 33-year-old centre has vowed to be in the best shape possible for when the Betfred Championship finally kicks-off again.

Sa’u, formerly of Newcastle Knights, Melbourne Storm and Salford Red Devils, and his Centurions teammates are scheduled to return to pre-season training next week.

But the sport’s decision makers continue to discuss possible start dates for the 2021 second and third-tier campaigns.

Relegation from Super League was scrapped back in July with Toronto Wolfpack’s withdrawal reducing the competition to 11 teams. A decision on the Canadians’ bid to be re-instated is expected soon.

“Regardless of what goes on and what they decide to do there is no use channelling my energies into something I cannot control,” says Sa’u, who recently agreed a new 12-month deal to stay with John Duffy’s squad.

“The only thing we can focus on is to make sure we continue to improve as individuals and setting goals that we want to get promoted next year.

“That was our goal for this year before the season got cut short. We have to have the same mentality we had this year.

“But this is the longest break I have ever had.

“One of the things I have got out of it has been to rest the body so I am looking forward to ripping into pre-season.

“This is where our preparation starts for 2021.

“I have made sure I have stayed fit and healthy. The grind for me didn’t stop.

“I have been like that for a couple of years now and that will never change.

“That is the only thing I can control.”

Sa’u, who spent nearly five years at Salford, admits it was a tough watch when Super League resumed last August.

“At the start it was pretty hard because you wish your season was on as well,” he agreed.

“But I have moved on from that now and it has been all about being ready.

“Pre-season is about putting in the hard work and preparing yourself for a successful season.”

Championship and League One clubs are due to meet next week to discuss possible dates for a return to play though any action before March 2021 seems unlikely.

Forward Lachlan Burr, who spent the 2017 season at Leigh, has agreed a two-year contract at North Queensland Cowboys in the Australian NRL competition.