Super League club unable to name full squad for huge fixture

Leigh Leopards are battling the likes of Wigan Warriors and St Helens for a spot in the top two but could now be fearing the likes of Warrington Wolves, Salford Red Devils and Hull KR after the latter of which comprehensively beat them last week to put their play-off spot into some doubt.

As they go into a vital game against Huddersfield Giants this week, the Leopards appear to be struggling for players with just 19 players named.

Fortunately, they are able to name 13 of their first 14 squad numbers with Ricky Leutele the only player absent with the number four replaced by former Wigan Warriors star Luke Gildart.

Gareth O’Brien is also named making it 14 of their first 17 available. The squad is completed by Matt Davis, Kai O’Donnell, Ava Seumanufagai and the returning Frankie Halton.

Coach Adrian Lam said this week on YouTube;

“Josh (Charnley) was clutching his ribs; but there was a handful of them, nearly ten of them that had similar sort of niggly injuries that people don’t realise, you’ve got to get on with it. We’re going to give Josh every opportunity to play again this week.

“I think it’s a massive game for us in the sense of where we sit on the ladder and where they sit on the ladder. They’re playing to try and squeeze into that six and we’re playing to try and stay in the top four. I’m looking for a completely different attitude this week and everyone that’s fit.

“We can’t go in with players that are carrying niggle’s this week, so I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

“The the squad will be very very similar the only other player that will come into consideration will be Frankie Halton. So he’s just about right to make his comeback back into the squad. Obviously he’s missed over three months now, near on three months with a pec injury.

“So he’s been trying really well for us the last month so he’ll certainly add a little bit to us if he comes into consideration.”

Huddersfield Giants have been battling for a spot in the Super League play offs but their chances of doing so are currently remote.

This is because of their poor start of the season and their dip in form just before their victory over Leeds Rhinos.

That victory also cost them Olly Russell who played on with a suspected broken bone.

He guided the Giants through their period with 12 men as he played on with a suspected broken hand.

He has now been left out of their squad against Leigh Leopards this week making it difficult for the Giants to back up what was an excellent display against the Rhinos.

Harvey Livett has replaced him as the only change to the squad.