Leigh Leopards were the surprise package in 2023, or so everyone says, but they may have shared that tag with another Super League club.
Huddersfield Giants were a surprise for very different reasons in 2023. They went into the season tipped for big things but would struggle as Leigh finished fifth and won the Challenge Cup having been tipped to finish 11th.
Thus, the season opener between the two was seen as pivotal and it was the Giants who claimed the win and after the game they rubbed further salt in the wound of their opponents.
Building off Leigh’s tag line, “Be the Roar”, Huddersfield tweeted a video with a clip from Shrek 4. It was from the famous, “Do the Roar” scene but the ending was not a ferocious roar. You can watch it here.
Huddersfield claim impressive win over Leigh Leopards
Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 16/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants – Leigh Sports Village, Leigh , England – Huddersfield’s Matty English is tackled by Leigh’s Robbie Mulhern, Leigh’s Matt Davis and Leigh’s Matt Davis
Leigh Leopards started the game, and both teams were cautious in the beginning, trying not to break any new rules introduced this season. Kai O’Donnell thought he scored but the video referee ruled it out as his knee touched the dead ball line.
Huddersfield then scored the first try of the game through Esan Masters, who benefitted from a Leigh defensive error. Tom Amone’s massive carry from a goal-line drop-out increased the intensity of the game, and Leigh’s Josh Charnley scored a try off a Matt Moylan’s grubber kick. Penalties were frequent, and Leigh’s captain John Asiata received a yellow card for a professional foul.
Huddersfield took advantage of the extra man, and Adam Milner scored a try from dummy-half. In the second half, Leigh’s Ricky Leutele was sent to the bin for ten minutes for a high tackle on Huddersfield’s Jake Connor. Elliot Wallis scored a try for Huddersfield, but Tom Briscoe scored a consolation try for Leigh. The game ended 16-8 in favour of Huddersfield.
Huddersfield’s Jake Connor failed the head injury assessment and will miss their next game, while Leigh’s Edwin Ipape left the match after 15 minutes with a knee injury. Dan Norman also failed a head injury assessment for the Leopards.
