Leigh Leopards are going to Wembley after they recorded a famous win over Super League and World Champions St Helens at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Leopards were written off by most at the start of the season but there was always a confidence from within the camp.
The club also made headlines due to their radical rebrand from Leigh Centurions to Leigh Leopards.
This was heavily criticised by many outside the club but has been embraced by the club and it has certainly propelled the club to amazing success in 2023.
Speaking to BBC sport at Leigh’s semi-final win over St Helens, Beaumont explained the reasons behind the rebrand citing rivals Wigan Warriors as the reason behind the switch.
“IMG coming in, I was a bit nervous because they were only going to select 12 teams and I thought we looked too much like Wigan with the red and white and a centurion as a mascot.
“It is about being a show and standing out there and getting people to buy in and the fans have done that.
“They are wearing the leopard print.”
As Leigh prepare for the Final in August, Beaumont also confirmed that the players could be rewarded with a trip to Vegas if they find a way to win the Challenge Cup at Wembley ending a 52 year wait for the trophy.
He said: “There will be a trip at the end of the season. Last year it was Vegas if we won the treble and we did that, we are in the running for the treble in 2023 and what a story that would be but these guys are getting rewarded.
“If something comes off it will be Vegas, Ibiza if not because no matter what we do now they have achieved something amazing.
“Hats off to Adrian Lam, Chris Chester and Neil Jukes and what they have done.
“I am so excited. Up the Leopards.”
No matter what happens the rest of this season it is clear Leigh have had a successful 2023 and that the rebrand has been a resounding success and that the club should be praised for what they have done.
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