Leigh Leopards: Another star sidelined for months as injury crisis continues

Leigh Leopards have seen their injury luck worsen with Adrian Lam now confirming that another of the club’s 2023 Dream Team members has been hit with a major blow.

That man in question is Tom Amone with the rampaging forward missing the Leopards’ massive win over Hull FC last week, the prop forward being absent due to a foot injury.

Lam has now confirmed the severity of that foot injury and it’s set to see Amone on the sidelines for an extended period alongside the likes of John Asiata and Edwin Ipape, both men also making the 2023 Super League Dream Team.

Lam made the comments at his press conference uploaded to the club’s YouTube channel, explaining: “We’ve got the results back after the game and it looks like Tom’s broken a bone in the top of his foot so Tom’s gonna be out for eight weeks plus.

“It’s not good news, it’s another one on the list there and he’s pretty devastated about it because it’s just in a position where it’s difficult to address.”

Due to Amone’s injury last week there was an opportunity for Dan Norman who Lam offered high praise for whilst issuing a stern attitude of kicking on regardless, stating: “We’ve got to power on and get on with things.

“I thought Dan Norman stepped up last week in the front row and did a really good job. Oliver Holmes coming into the bench did an incredible job and made the Super League team of the week.”

Injury concerns continue for Leigh Leopards ahead of Challenge Cup defence

The Leopards accomplished the incredible feat of lifting the Challenge Cup in 2023 and their defence begins on Saturday when they host Championship side Featherstone Rovers who have already knocked out a strong Wakefield Trinity side.

Defeating James Ford’s side could be even tougher though with Lam explaining that whilst the Leopards could see star player Lachlan Lam return, a number of others are potential doubts for the game.

Lachlan had missed the clash against Hull FC as a late pull-out after sustaining an injury against Leeds the week prior, but father and coach Adrian was positive that the Papua New Guinean international could return.

“Lachie Lamb should be available for the game. Again, we’ll give him most of this week,” the Leopards head coach explained.

“He ran today, which is a positive sign for us, so it’s down to whether or not the doctor feels that it’s risky on Saturday. If it is we won’t risk it, but if it’s more than 70-80% I think he’ll play. But that’s where we’re at at the moment.”

Whilst that’s undoubtedly a boost Lam did mention three other key players carrying minor injuries. He explained: “There’s a couple that have got sort tissue sort of stuff. Mulhern, Ricky Leutele and Gaz O’Brien have got some lower soft tissue stuff so we’ve just got to make sure that they get through training this week.

“Gaz O’Brien is probably the one that’s in the most doubt but he is still a big chance of playing as well. We’ve just got to manage this week right.”

Injuries could simply create opportunities for others, as exemplified by the brilliant performances by the likes of Umyla Hanley, Ollie Holmes and Dan Norman with Leigh Leopards carrying a far deeper squad in 2024 than 2023, something they’ll be incredibly grateful for given their torrid injury luck at present.