Leigh Leopards host Warrington Wolves tonight with the teams returning to Super League after a week off and it’s been a very busy week indeed.
It’s a week that has seen the number of quota spots for 2026 confirmed to be increasing to ten but perhaps more significant is the fact that Super League itself will jump from twelve to fourteen teams.
That could see the play-offs expand to eight teams, something that Warrington Wolves may wish was happening this year with Sam Burgess’ side languishing outside the top six and facing an uphill battle to make those play-offs.
A loss to Castleford Tigers ahead of the week off was devastating for their play-off hopes but they still sit just three points outside, albeit with a very tough run of fixtures to come.
That starts tonight away against Leigh who will be looking to secure a top two spot rather than having to worry about if they’ll make the six.
Based on the 21-man squads selected and coach comments, here’s how we predict Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves will line up tonight.
Leigh Leopards team news
Adrian Lam welcomed Robbie Mulhern back to his squad but there are questions over whether the England international will play, with second-rower Ethan O’Neill in a similar situation.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Lam explained: “Both trained today with the squad, so we’ll have to wait and see how they pull up,” whilst also admitting that he’s fine if they need another week given how well his side have played of late.
That could be a suggestion the pair are afforded that extra week with a tough test against Leeds Rhinos coming up, for which Darnell McIntosh may also be available.
Keanan Brand has overcome his return to play protocol after a failed HIA so it could be a repeat of the team who beat St Helens.
Predicted Leigh Leopards XIII: Bailey Hodgson; Keanan Brand, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley; Gaz O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Owen Trout, Edwin Ipape, Joe Ofahengaue; Frankie Halton, Jack Hughes, Isaac Liu
Interchanges: Alec Tuitavake, Matt Davis, Andy Badrock, Ben McNamara
🐆 𝟮𝟭 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗
Lammy’s picks for the 21 man squad for this Friday’s game. pic.twitter.com/CMpnkCRQU7— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) July 30, 2025
Warrington Wolves team news
Sam Burgess has also welcomed a key player back with Danny Walker returning and the Wire head coach was more open in the fact he stated Walker would play with minutes managed.
That could mean that Sam Powell starts with Walker off the bench which is helpful given that makeshift hooker Jordy Crowther is out followed a recent inury.
A loss to Castleford last time out saw a bench with two utilities in Stefan Ratchford and Ewan Irwin. The latter isn’t named but Leon Hayes is recalled meaning Burgess does have options.
NRL loanee Ryan Matterson is also likely to feature on that bench and earn his first minutes in a Wire shirt with the final bench spot likely between the likes of Ratchford, Luke Thomas and Max Wood.
Predicted Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Jake Thewlis, Connor Wrench, Toby King, Josh Thewlis; George Williams, Marc Sneyd; Luke Yates, Sam Powell, Paul Vaughan; Sam Stone, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie
Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Danny Walker, Ryan Matterson, Luke Thomas
🐺Our 21-man squad for Friday’s away fixture against Leigh Leopards.
Leon Hayes and Danny Walker make long-awaited returns.
Ryan Matterson set for Wire debut. pic.twitter.com/q6aZTgcn38
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) July 30, 2025
