In mixed injury news, Leigh Leopards could welcome back as many as four players this weekend, but have been dealt a big blow in their forward pack.
The Leopards have won their last two matches, and over the month of April have gradually improved in their performances.
That up-turn in form has coincided with the return of some key players, most notably hooker Edwin Ipape who has transformed the side since he was able to return against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup.
The likes of Owen Trout and Joe Ofahengaue have also made their comebacks, and the Leopards could be almost back to full-strength this week when they take on Catalans Dragons, should a number of players pull through training.
Head coach Adrian Lam spoke to the press to preview their trip to the south of France, saying: “Into consideration will come Umyla Hanley and Tesi Niu back into that team alongisde David Armstrong.
“They will be part of the squad and we’ll see how that unfolds for us.”
“…We’ve got all week really to make sure that any of the 50-50Â players are fit to play.
Another man who could return, albeit a lot less likely, is Keanan Brand, who has missed the last six matches through injury.
The former Widnes and Warrington man will travel to Perpignan with the side and is expected to be named in the 21-man squad, released tomorrow, in order to be given every possible opportunity to play.
Leigh Leopards boss issues Robbie Mulhern verdict as silver lining revealed
After he pulled out in the warm-up of the club’s away trip to York Knights, Leigh looked to have avoided any injury concern with prop Robbie Mulhern, but after the former Hull KR man left the field less than 10 minutes into the game against Huddersfield, he is now set for a period on the sidelines.
Mulhern has suffered a calf injury and will miss around a month of action. The Irish international was an ever-present until that game against York, but he is now the latest Leopards player to pick up what looks to be a significant injury.
“We’ve got the scan results back and it’s a grade two tear of the calf,” Lam said. “He’s out for four or five weeks, so not good news.”
Whilst the 31-year-old will be out for five weeks, with the upcoming breaks for the Challenge Cup he will only miss three games, so as much as the injury will no doubt be disruptive, it could have been a lot worse had it happened at a different point in the season.
Revealing the games he will miss, Lam revealed: “That’ll be Catalans this week. Then we have obviously the semi-final of the Cup. And then um, then it’ll be Hull FC and Hull KR and then the Final. He’ll be back the week after that.”
