Leigh Leopards finished above the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC in the 2023 Super League season.
It was an excellent season from the Leopards who made a real a bold move a year ago when they changed from the Leigh Centurions to the Leigh Leopards complete with a radical new shirt design breaking away from the traditional red and white stripes to a Leopard in order to to break away from Wigan Warriors.
Leigh also made some statement signings such as the likes of Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Ricky Leutele, Gareth O’Brien, Matt Davis, Jack Hughes and Rob Mulhern.
These players mixed well with the likes of Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam and John Asiata who were signed the previous season.
They had an excellent season finishing fifth only just missing out on the top four by points difference to Hull KR.
Speaking of the Robins, Leigh defeated them to win the Challenge Cup in 2023.
So, Leigh are hoping for a big 2024 season and have launched their new shirt for the season.
This has a red basis with black leopard print spots across the jersey.
After last year’s kit was so controversial, the question is: ‘How did fans react?’
Many Leigh fans said: “Love it.”
Another added: “Take my money NOW!”
Meanwhile, another Leigh fan said: “A far better offering than the 2023 shirt. One that encapsulates the rebranded Leopards identity but also respects our history with the traditional Leigh RL red club colours. Quality shirt.”
Rival fans were less than impress: “It’s the 2023 away shirt but red instead of blue.”
Another joked: “Gone from Jaguar to Ladybird.”
This rival fan said: “At what point does it stop being ironically funny?”
“What on earth is this?” another asked.
One even described it as an “abomination.”
For those who haven’t seen the kit:
Leigh owner Derek Beaumont said: “Last year’s shirt created a lot of interest and whilst it gained a lot of criticism in certain areas the figures did the talking. There were considerably more sales of it than any other shirt in the ten years I have been back at the club.
“We needed to create a stir with the whole rebrand and we certainly achieved that. We have known since then the type of design we wanted to move with this year, as it was one that we had considered in the first instance.
“We will also for the first time be making available for retail sales the players’ training range, details of which will follow over the coming weeks.
“As part of some of the packages available include the home replica it was important that it could be seen to enable fans to make that choice. Images of the full kit will follow the release of the continued and new sponsors in the following days.”
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