Leigh Leopards

Leigh Leopards recall loanee after Charnley ban and make Matt Moylan decision

by
Sam Cook
August 16, 2024

Leigh Leopards face Salford Red Devils in the first game on Sunday at Magic Weekend with the Leythers knowing that a loss will almost certainly end their hopes of making the Super League playoffs.

Adrian Lam’s side sits five points shy of opponents Salford who occupy the final playoff spot at it stands but with just six games of the regular season remaining, Leigh could well have to win all six with every game a ‘Cup Final’ for them from now on.

Luckily, they know a thing or two about winning cup finals with the Leopards celebrating the one-year anniversary of their 2023 Challenge Cup win lately and they’ll need a similar performance on Sunday to beat an impressive Salford side.

With star winger Josh Charnley banned for one match for kicking out in the loss against Wigan last Tuesday, Leigh Leopards have recalled centre Keanan Brand from his loan spell at Widnes to help provide depth and cover.

They’ve also seen Gaz O’Brien return to the fray after the full-back’s concussion issues of late and Adrian Lam has taken another gamble and named Matt Moylan to his squad. The Australian had missed the win over Hull FC due to a rib cartilage issue but he has been recalled and could feature against the Red Devils.

As for Paul Rowley and the Red Devils, Tim Lafai returns after serving his suspension with the Samoan being a major boost. Recent signing Jayden Nikorima looks set to go again whilst Loghan Lewis has come through despite suffering a late shot against St Helens.

Leigh Leopards 21-Man Squad

1: Gaz O’Brien
3: Zak Hardaker
4: Ricky Leutele
6: Matt Moylan
7: Lachlan Lam
8: Tom Amone
9: Edwin Ipape
10: Robbie Mulhern
11: Kai O’Donnell
12: Jack Hughes
13: John Asiata
15: Matt Davis
16: Frankie Halton
17: Owen Trout
20: Oliver Holmes
22: Keanan Brand
24: Umyla Hanley
33: Brad Dwyer
34: Darnell McIntosh
35: Aaron Pene
36: Bailey Hodgson

🐆𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗🐆

This Sunday’s squad has been chosen for our MAGIC WEEKEND clash against Salford Red Devils

SUN 18 AUG | KO 1:30PM | ELLAND ROAD pic.twitter.com/cXzzW7uJTR

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) August 16, 2024

Salford Red Devils 21-Man Squad

1: Ryan Brierley
2: Ethan Ryan
3: Nene Macdonald
4: Tim Lafai
5: Deon Cross
7: Marc Sneyd
8: Brad Singleton
9: Amir Bourouh
11: Sam Stone
12: Kallum Watkins
13: Oliver Partington
14: Chris Atkin
15: Shane Wright
16: Joe Shorrocks
23: Chris Hankinson
24: Joe Mellor
27: Gil Dudson
28: Harvey Wilson
29: Loghan Lewis
31: Joe Bullocks
32: Jadyen Nikorima