Leigh Leopards could have star winger Josh Charnley back for Friday night’s Super League clash against York Knights, with head coach Adrian Lam offering an injury update at his presser on Tuesday.
Charnley was labelled a ‘serious doubt’ ahead of last week’s Battle of the Borough against Wigan Warriors and come Friday night’s team sheet, his name wasn’t to be seen with the winger unable to return in time.
He’s now a stronger chance to return for this week’s game whilst there’s also a definite returnee in Edwin Ipape after the hooker missed out against Wigan due to a failed head injury assessment against Warrington.
Leigh have been hit hard all season long with injuries and just as they started to field a full team, they saw centre Tesi Niu go down with a serious knee injury and fellow back Bailey Hodgson suffer an elbow infection.
That’s why Charnley, as one of a handful of specialist backs, is so vital and when speaking on Tuesday, Adrian Lam said: “There’s two back, which is Charnley, and he’s a 50-50, so we’re going to give him right up to the kick-off.
“Then obviously, Edwin Ipape is back but there’s no-one on the way out, so those two players will come into consideration for us.”
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Adrian Lam shares hope of surprise Leigh Leopards injury return
As well as Charnley, there were also an injury update on forward Ryan Brown though that wasn’t as positive.
Lam admitted: “At the moment, he’s tracking not as good as we thought. He is a small chance, but that doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.
“He’s got a quad injury and he’s also got a little bit of an ankle sprain, so all of that’s compounded him not running.”
Lam also revealed that those injured outside backs, Niu and Hodgson, could return before the end of the season in a surprise boost.
He revealed: “Players like Bailey Hodgson, he’s back into the system now and rehabbing with us. He’s a small chance of coming back as well now, which is great news.
“Tesi Niu has been long-term, but if we get him right, he’s a chance of featuring before the end of the season.”
Specifically on Hodgson and his chances of return, Lam said: “There’s a small possibility.
“Everything has to line up for us. All the moons have to align, but he’s an ultimate professional, Bailey. He’s back in doing his bit.”
