Leigh Leopards v Hull FC line-ups predicted with key men missing for both sides

Leigh Leopards and Hull FC go head to head this evening in what promises to be an intriguing clash at Leigh Sports Village.

The two clubs played out an enthralling draw earlier in the season at the MKM Stadium and they’ll both fancy their chances of going one better tonight by getting the result they both crave after narrow defeats last week.

A last ditch Ryan Hall try at Headingley handed Hull their fourth defeat in a row, while Adrian Lam’s side were edged out 36-28 by Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium. There’s no doubt about it, Hull need the result more, given their struggle for form of late, but Leigh know a win would take them back to within three points of league leaders Hull KR for 24 hours at least.

So how will the teams line-up tonight?

Well, Leigh will be without Gareth O’Brien with the half-back failing a HIA last week at Wigan. Lam admitted last week that O’Brien’s lay-off could be extended due to the amount of head knocks he has picked up of late and that provides a big chance for Ben McNamara.

McNamara has blown hot and cold at Leigh, but he could have a run of two or three games to show what he can do alongside Lachlan Lam and he’ll be keen to star against his former club this evening.

David Armstrong’s absence means Bailey Hodgson will be at full-back, while it would not be a surprise to see the pack remain unchanged this week, with Joe Ofahengaue starting for the Leopards once more.

Hull boss John Cartwright will be forced into at least one change tonight with Jordan Rapana missing out though concussion protocols. He had to be stretchered off the field last week against Leeds Rhinos after knocking himself out while trying to tackle Jake Connor.

Tom Briscoe will surely be the man to come into the starting line-up then and he’ll play on the inside shoulder of Harvey Barron.

Brad Fash picked up minutes last week and he can play in the back-row, but the head coach might be tempted to stick with former Leigh men Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain in the pack for the time being at least.

With Briscoe coming off the bench, there could be a spot for young hooker option Denive Balmforth, who the club think highly of. If it isn’t Balmforth then Logan Moy might be the option on the bench.

Predicted Leigh Leopards v Hull FC line-ups

Leigh Leopards: Bailey Hodgson; Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley; Lachlan Lam, Ben McNamara; Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern; Owen Trout, Ethan O’Neill; Isaac Liu.

Bench: Alec Tuitavake, Jack Hughes, Matt Davis, Brad Dwyer.

Hull FC: Will Pryce; Harvey Barron, Tom Briscoe, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Knight; Zak Hardaker, Ed Chamberlain; John Asiata.

Bench: Jack Ashworth, Sam Eseh, Brad Fash, Denive Balmforth.

🐆 𝟮𝟭 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗

The lineup has been chosen, the 21 man squad for this Thursday’s game. pic.twitter.com/a07yXwu253

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) May 20, 2025

This week’s 21-man squad to face @LeighLeopardsRL has landed 📋

Squad News 👉 https://t.co/ITON1tL9O8

⚫️⚪️ #COYH | https://t.co/69MwiDLr4u pic.twitter.com/oKxwCs3cPU

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) May 20, 2025