How Leigh Leopards’ four NRL signings fit into strongest XIII after wholesale changes

After seeing several stars depart at the end of the 2024 season, Leigh Leopards could be fielding a much-changed team in 2025 and we’ve examined how they might line up.

Adrian Lam’s side finished the season in stellar form as they won an impressive ten of their final thirteen games, losing only to champions Wigan (twice) and Grand Finalists Hull KR.

During that run of form, players such as Tom Amone, Kai O’Donnell and Ricky Leutele all starred but that trio have all left, along with captain John Asiata, and fellow Hull-bound men Zak Hardaker and Oliver Holmes.

With all of their exits confirmed, Leigh were dealt another blow as 2024 signing Matt Moylan revealed his plans to retire leaving the Leopards without their starting half for 2025.

Head of Rugby Chris Chester has spoken recently about his role and how the club’s heavy recruitment for 2025 isn’t something they plan on doing regularly as he outlined that those they’ve signed are there to stay.

Among those recruits are NRL quarter David Armstrong, Ben Condon, Isaac Liu and Tesi Niu, all of whom will feature in our Leigh Leopards predicted strongest XII for 2025.

How Leigh Leopards could line up in 2025 after wholesale changes

Full-back: David Armstrong

Armstrong was the subject of a drawn-out transfer saga and it had appeared Leigh Leopards had missed out on his signature when reports down under claimed Newcastle Knights had considered blocking a deal. Eventually, though, Leigh got their man and he’s been tipped for massive things with Derek Beaumont claiming he could challenge Bevan French’s status as the best in Super League.

Wingers: Darnell McIntosh and Josh Charnley

There is no change here and it’s understandable. McIntosh was very solid when he made the mid-season move from Hull FC whilst Josh Charnley is still hunting down Ryan Hall’s all-time try-scoring record.

Centres: Umyla Hanley and Tesi Niu

The second of the club’s new signings to feature and that’s former Dolphins centre Tesi Niu who would reveal in October that he had signed for Leigh Leopards. At just 23, he’s an exciting prospect and he’ll line up alongside one of the breakout stars of 2024 in Umlya Hanley who had his best season to date with 10 tries.

Stand-off and Half-back: Gareth O’Brien and Lachlan Lam

After the late departure of Matt Moylan who announced his retirement one year into a two-year deal, it means Leigh’s plans are somewhat up in the air here. Lachlan Lam is locked in but who plays alongside him is unclear. The leader in the clubhouse is Gareth O’Brien, as he did at times last year, but with a quota spot now available after Moylan’s exit, the Leopards could look to make a signing.

Hooker: Edwin Ipape

During that late-season push to the play-offs, Edwin Ipape reminded everyone in Super League of why he earned Dream Team honours in 2023. The Papua New Guinean was superb down the stretch and the same can be expected for 2025.

Props: Aaron Pene and Robbie Mulhern

There’s no change up front in terms of personnel but Pene will likely not become the starter after the exit of Tom Amone. Pene signed mid-season in a move facilitated by Ben Nakubuwai’s season-long loan to Featherstone Rovers and during his 15 games made quite the impact. He’ll line up with England international Robbie Mulhern who has established himself as one of the competition’s most underrated props.

Second-row: Frankie Halton and Ben Condon

Halton showed huge improvements in his second season with the club. He moved to Leigh from Hull KR midway through the 2023 campaign and it seemed to take until 2204 for him to truly settle. He’ll be partnered by Manly recruit Ben Condon who is tasked with replacing Kai O’Donnell.

Loose Forward: Isaac Liu

Replacing John Asiata is a tough task but drafting in a 272-game NRL legend such as Isaac Liu is certainly one way of going about the problem. Liu also brings international experience with 10 caps for New Zealand whilst also representing Samoa. His leadership will be invaluable as the Leopards navigate the 2025 season.

Leigh Leopards best starting XIII for 2025

FB: David Armstrong
WG: Darnell McIntosh
CE: Umyla Hanley
CE: Tesi Niu
WG: Josh Charnley
SO: Gareth O’Brien
HB: Lachlan Lam
PR: Aaron Pene
HK: Edwin Ipape
PR: Robbie Mulhern
SR: Frankie Halton
SR: Ben Condon
LF: Isaac Liu