Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has offered an injury update ahead of Friday’s clash with play-off rivals St Helens.
It had been confirmed that Tesi Niu would miss out after failing a HIA against Warrington Wolves, however, questions over the forward pack remained with Joe Ofahengaue stepping into the 21-man squad.
One man who wasn’t named is second-rower Ethan O’Neill and Lam has now confirmed that Friday night has just come too early for the Australian, with Leigh taking the precaution to hold him back a week.
The Leigh Leopards boss explained: “I’ve got Joe Ofahengaue who comes into consideration this week. He’s back into the picture and Ethan O’Neill’s not quite there yet this week, but he’ll probably come into picture next week.”
Speaking more on O’Neill, he said: “He’s not quite right and there’s a little bit of risk to it, so we don’t want to harm that, especially with there’s only one game left next week, so that could really matter the season if anything happened this week.It’s tough to get in that 17 at the moment.”
How Leigh Leopards will replace Tesi Niu for St Helens clash
The plans to replace Tesi Niu have also been revealed with two men named as possible options and the suggestion of recalling young centre Jack Darbyshire, currently on loan at Salford, quashed.
Leigh will look to second-rowers Andrew Badrock or Jack Hughes to take Niu’s place with centre Darbyshire or other outside backs such as Darnell McIntosh set to be overlooked.
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Niu has been a force on the left edge for Leigh this season, proving to be one of the best signings in Super League, but it’s actually been the Leopards’ right edge which has been most potent of late.
Keanan Brand scored a hat-trick with Umyla Hanley putting two of those on a plate for him as the centre put in a spectacular performance last week against Warrington.
On that duo, Lam said: “They’re best mates as well, which helps. I’ve stuck with those two for a long time now and we’re getting those rewards now back on the performances.
“Keanan had that hat-trick of tries, and Umyla with the stats in the game, 250 metres, one try, three line breaks, two tries. It’s as good as it gets in Super League.
“I’m really pleased with that, but the other side too have been doing some great stuff. Obviously, no Tesi Niu this week there, but combinations are building as well.”
