Leigh Leopards are approaching the 2025 Super League season with a new look squad following a huge turnover in personnel. The Leopards waved farewell to some key individuals last year with the likes of John Asiata, Zak Hardaker, Tom Amone, Kai O’Donnell and Matt Moylan leaving the club.
As such, head of rugby Chris Chester has brought in 10 players ahead of the new season. Isaac Liu is the most senior figure to make the move to Leigh Sports Village and he’s expected to be a key role alongside fellow new recruits Tesi Niu, David Armstrong, Ethan O’Neill and Alec Tuitavake.
The club have added a number of promising youth players, too, with AJ Towse, Brad Martin, Ryan Brown, Will Brough and Andrew Badrock joining Adrian Lam’s set up.
It’s fair to say then that there will be a number of high profile changes to Leigh’s line up come February 13, when Leigh get the Super League season underway against Wigan Warriors.
David Armstrong has been brought in to play full-back and he’ll undoubtedly get the nod at number one, but Tesi Niu might be the only other new addition in the back line, with Darnell McIntosh and Josh Charnley set to feature on the wings and Umyla Hanley more than deserving of a spot at centre.
Lachlan Lam and Gareth O’Brien are the two standout half-backs at the club at present, but Leigh are thought to be keen on bringing in a new playmaker should one be available.
Alec Tuitavake is highly rated and fancied to provide a like for like replacement for Amone. As such, he could start against the Cherry and Whites with Robbie Mulhern alongside him through the middle. Edwin Ipape is an obvious call at hooker, while Isaac Liu will play at 13.
Lam has a decision to make in the second row it seems, though, with Frankie Halton, Ethan O’Neill, Brad Martin and Jack Hughes among those pushing for a spot, while Matt Davis is also available and can play in a number of roles across the pack.
At least one of those to miss out on a starting spot can expect to be named on the bench, with Brad Dwyer, Aaron Pene and Owen Trout likely bench options, too.
Predicted Leigh Leopards line-up to face Wigan Warriors in round one: David Armstrong; Darnell McIntosh, Umyla Hanley, Tesi Niu, Josh Charnley; Lachlan Lam, Gareth O’Brien; Alec Tuitavake, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern; Frankie Halton, Ethan O’Neill; Isaac Liu.
Bench: Aaron Pene, Owen Trout, Brad Dwyer, Jack Hughes
