Leeds Rhinos

Vintage Kallum Watkins, injury concerns for Leigh and Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards talking points

by
Sian Reed
June 27, 2025

One of two Friday night games saw Leeds Rhinos face Leigh Leopards at AMT Headingley.

It was expected to be a close game between two sides pretty evenly matched this season, sitting in fourth and third, respectively, at the start of the night.

With the race for the play-offs heating up, it was Leeds that put on a vintage performance, with a 48-30 victory ove the Leopards.

As the match unfolded, here were the main talking points for Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards, following the team news.

Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards talking points

Leeds are building something special

This Rhinos team might not be giving flawless performances but it does feel like they’re improving week on week. Last week against St Helens, they were embarrassed so they wanted to give their home fans something to cheer about. Their halves are working well together, their forward pack is laying the groundwork, and the backs are reaping the rewards. Could they be at Old Trafford at the end of the season?

Leigh’s halfback combinations not up to their usual standards

The Leopards weren’t bad by any means tonight, but for most of the attacking play, there was a lack of cohesion between their halfbacks. With David Armstrong’s injury during the first half, Leigh were down an option with him playing out on the wing. When Ben McNamara came on in the second half, they had more options, but Leeds were high on confidence, and it was too little, too late for Leigh.

David Armstrong’s knee issues

He had it heavily strapped prior to kick-off, and then injured it during the first half. He carried on before being replaced at half-time by Ben McNamara. Because he moved out onto the wing, he was unable to contribute much going forward or in defence. He could be missing for some time now, so Gareth O’Brien will have to deputise at fullback.

The first meeting of the season between the two sides

We’re in round sixteen, and this is the first time Leeds and Leigh have met, whereas some teams have faced each other twice. Whilst it’s understandable that a club can’t play each team once and then repeat the fixtures, it’s odd that some sides are only just facing each other for the very first time.

Rolling back the years with Kallum Watkins

It was a vintage performance from the veteran forward. He’s gone back to Leeds, playing mostly at loose forward, but tonight he moved back to the second row. Watkins is a popular figure not only with Leeds fans but with rugby league fans as a whole, but could he push for an Ashes spot? He’s playing some of the best rugby we’ve seen from him in years so why not?