Head coaches Adrian Lam and Luke Robinson have been forced into changes for this afternoon’s clash between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants.
Leigh are coming off their golden point win over Wigan Warriors last week in the opening fixture of the new Super League season and Lam will be keen to see his side build on that. He’s made one change to his 17, with Bailey Hodgson coming in to replace injured winger Josh Charnley.
Edwin Ipape is named on the bench once more, with Brad Dwyer getting the nod to start at hooker, while Tesi Niu, David Armstrong, Ethan O’Neill, Isaac Liu and Alec Tuitavake will make their first appearances at Leigh Sports Village.
Huddersfield are in the midst of an injury crisis of sorts and the head knock Harry Rushton suffered last week ensures he will sit out of this week’s fixture. The Giants will also be without Danny Richardson, with the half-back being recalled from his loan by Hull KR in midweek.
George Flanagan gets the nod at scrum-half then, while Jack Billington is the man who steps onto the bench, giving Robinson options with his ability to play in numerous positions across the pack.
Huddersfield are looking for their first win of the new Super League season and they’ll take confidence from pushing Warrington Wolves close last Sunday. Leigh can join Warrington, St Helens and Hull KR as joint-leaders of Super League, should they secure the points.
Leigh Leopards line-up: David Armstrong; Keanan Brand, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Bailey Hodgson; Gareth O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Owen Trout, Brad Dwyer, Robbie Mulhern; Frankie Halton, Ethan O’Neill; Isaac Liu.
Bench: Alec Tuitavake, Matt Davis, Jack Hughes.Edwin Ipape
Huddersfield Giants line-up: Jacob Gagai; Adam Swift, Jake Bibby, Sam Hewitt, Elliot Wallis; Tui Lolohea, George Flanagan; Oliver Wilson, Zac Woolford, Tom Burgess; Jack Murchie, Joe Greenwood, Leroy Cudjoe.
Bench: Fenton Rogers, Matty English, Ashton Golding, Jack Billington.
