The Leigh Leopards rebrand has more than divided opinion but in the eyes of former Super League Champions Kyle Amor and Brian Noble what they are doing is good for rugby league.
This comes after they made their first home game of the season a real spectacle with Scouting For Girls and Fuel Girls performing and fire works adding to an amazing spectacle which Amor compared to the Super Bowl.
He said on the 5 Live Rugby League Podcast:
“I almost thought it was the Superbowl that landed in Leigh on Friday night, I thought it was brilliant. Credit has to go to Derek Beaumont, he took a brave move, he’s recognised the things that IMG are asking for and he wants to create a new identity and a new era for the club.
“It looked like as a fan sat at home you’d watch thinking, ‘I wouldn’t mind being there next week’, and that’s what the game really needs to try and get towards.
“Now I know that will have cost an absolute fortune and it can’t be done every single week but I just thought, well done. Warrington and Hull KR as well, they both had bands on. It makes you want to go, even if they capture a few hundred or maybe a thousand extra going along next week then it’s a start.”
Former Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors coach Brian Noble echoed his opinion:
“Take a bow Derek Beaumont, that’s the kind of thing that is going to help the unbelievable talent and the games that we see week in and week out. It’s about the whole package and bringing your community into an event and what we’ve got this weekend is three or four events in Super League. I think it’s outstanding and I take my hat off to Derek Beaumont.
“They’ve got to keep that kind of thing going, they’ve got to find innovative ways. You’ve mentioned IMG and they’ll be looking for that kind of impetus and excitement. All the kids who went on Friday night will be wanting to go back again.
“It has to be reinforced with the fact that we’ve got a pretty unbelievable product as well.”
