Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has spoken on his side’s injury issues ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves, conceding that he is set for a “difficult” task to nail down his 17-man matchday squad.
The Leopards are bidding to return to Wembley for the first time since their famous 2023 win but they’ve got the 2024 finalists Warrington Wolves standing in their way, with the teams facing off at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After Saturday’s win over Catalans at Magic Weekend, Adrian Lam conceded there were a number of injury issues, including those who had been absent for that game such as David Armstrong, Gareth O’Brien, Frankie Halton, Keanan Brand, Jack Hughes, Aaron Pene, Alec Tuitavake and Umyla Hanley among others.
Asked for his injury report ahead of Sunday’s big cup tie, the Leigh Leopards boss held his cards close to his chest but admitted that some players could be back.
He explained: “We had an eight-day turnaround, so obviously had a lot of niggling injuries, but a few players coming back, hopefully.
“We’ve had a full week to get prepared for it, so I think everyone’s in a good place.”
Leigh Leopards boss tight-lipped on injury updates ahead of Challenge Cup clash
Ben McNamara stepped up to star in the halves whilst Bailey Hodgson has had a very strong run at full-back but they could be usurped players return from injury, however, Lam didn’t offer any clear indication which players were or were not close.
“We’re going to give everyone right up until captain’s run, so up until Saturday, to be right for this game,” he said.
“I think one or two of them probably could have played at a pinch last week, but with the importance of this game ahead, it was the right thing to make sure that we took a strong fit team against Catalans.
“It’s the same this weekend as well where we’re looking to play a 100% fit team this week as well.”
He did concede that those who have stepped up, such as the aforementioned McNamara and Hodgson, as well as the likes of Louis Brogan and Andy Badrock, had gone well in recent weeks.
Lam acknowledged: “Players that have filled in and done a job have done a really good job so it’s a difficult task to make sure we pick the right 17.
“It’s a good position to be in as opposed to where we were a couple of weeks ago and last week where we had no choice and no options.
“Some players are going to miss out but that puts us in a good position to make sure we pick a strong team.”
One of those he was specifically asked about was Bailey Hodgson who put in a stellar performance at Magic Weekend, racking up 149 metres on his 24 carries and proving very safe under the high ball.
Asked if he was undroppable, Lam remained coy: “There’s going to be a few tough calls and a few players that are going to have to miss out, but that’s exactly where we want to be as a club. Having said that, we always reward the courageous and the ones that are playing well and in form. So I’ll have to wait and see.”
🐆 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘, 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗥! 🏆
Our challenge cup journey continues this weekend! Tickets available via RL Commercial.
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) May 7, 2025
Super League Disciplinary News
Every Super League player’s disciplinary record after latest charges
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants release statement as immediate departure confirmed
