Leigh Leopards unable to name full squad as they begin Challenge Cup defence

Leigh Leopards begin their defence of the Challenge Cup on Saturday when they face Featherstone Rovers but Adrian Lam has been unable to name a full 21-man squad as injuries pile up.

The Leopards went on a historic run to Wembley in 2023 when they lifted the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1971 courtesy of Lachlan Lam’s golden point drop goal.

It marked the third win in the competition for Leigh but that brilliant day at Wembley was the peak of the season with the Leopards going on to lose four of their six remaining games, which saw them lose fourth spot and then their play-off clash against Hull KR.

Derek Beaumont and Adrian Lam could have been forgiven for thinking that their bad run of luck has carried over to 2024 with the Leopards losing plenty of star players to injury.

Minutes into the season opener their hooker Edwin Ipape limped off and he remains sidelined. John Asiata joined him on the injury list with a round three injury against St Helens and now Tom Amone has been confirmed to be missing for at least eight weeks.

As such, Adrian Lam has only been able to name 20 players in what would ordinarily be a 21-man squad days ahead of the club’s Challenge Cup clash against Featherstone.

Tom Briscoe is another star sidelined and he again misses out alongside Amone, Ipape and Asiata.

Leigh Leopards 21-Man Squad

1 – Gareth O’Brien
3 – Zak Hardaker
4 – Ricky Leutele
5 – Josh Charnley
6 – Matt Moylan
7 – Lachlan Lam
10 – Robbie Mulhern
11 – Kai O’Donnell
12 – Jack Hughes
14 – Dan Norman
15 – Matt Davis
16 – Frankie Halton
17 – Owen Trout
18 – Ben Nakubuwai
19 – Ed Chamberlain
20 – Oliver Holmes
21 – Ben McNamara
22 – Keanan Brand
24 – Umyla Hanley
26 – Jacob Gannon

Star signing to debut as Rovers look to cause the upset

Leigh Leopards will face Featherstone Rovers and the Flat Cappers have been boosted by the possible debut of their star NRL recruit Paul Turner, James Ford naming the overseas talent for the first time this season.

Rovers have already triggered an upset in the competition this season by beating Wakefield Trinity and they’ll now set about an even bigger task.

The star of the show that day was Gareth Gale with his intercept try securing the victory in golden point in a game that turned into a mud-bath and a call back to the old winter rugby league.

One man who impressed that day was Wellington Albert and he’s named once again and will have the task of trying to get on top of Leigh Leopards pack, a task made easier by the absence of Tom Amone.

The major name to stand out is that of Paul Turner though with the 23-year-old recruited as a replacement for former Leigh Leopards star Ben Reynolds following his move to Hull KR.

Turner’s arrival was confirmed earlier this month with a statement released via their website that read: “Featherstone Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of NRL halfback Paul Turner for the 2024 Betfred Championship season.

“Turner will link up with Featherstone having signed from St George Illawarra Dragons to boost the squad in the halves.

“Whilst also being comfortable playing at fullback, Turner will add some real quality to James Ford’s squad.

“At just 23-year old, Turner’s best years are ahead of him and we’re certainly excited to see him light up the Millennium Stadium.”

Rovers’ squad can be seen below:

1 – CALEB AEKINS
2 – CONNOR WYNNE
3 – JOSH HARDCASTLE
4 – GREG MINKIN
5 – GARETH GALE
7 – THOMAS LACANS
8 – GADWIN SPRINGER
9 – CONNOR JONES
10 – NATHAN MASSEY
11 – BRAD DAY
13 – DANNY ADDY
14 – HARRY BOWES
15 – WELLINGTON ALBERT
16 – MCKENZIE YEI
17 – BRAD ENGLAND
19 – MANOA WACOKECOKE
20 – KEENEN TOMLINSON
21 – OLIVER FARRAR
24 – CHARLIE HARRIS
25 – JAYDEN TANNER
28 – PAUL TURNER