Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Officer Kris Radlinski has tipped up the team that he thinks will make a late charge into the Super League playoffs, selecting neighbours Leigh Leopards as dark horses for the top six.
Leigh Leopards are currently sat in ninth place with nine points after twelve games, seven points back from the playoff spots. Adrian Lam’s side do have a game in hand having not played in Round Two as Kris Radlinski’s Wigan side were contesting the World Club Challenge.
That game has now been rearranged and will take place in early August, between Rounds 21 and 22 as announced by Super League earlier this week meaning that Leigh will be forced to play three games in ten days.
It will likely be a must-win game for Leigh with the club on the outside looking in and likely to require ten or more wins from their remaining fifteen to make the playoffs, however, Kris Radlinski has backed them to do so.
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Wigan Chief backs Leigh Leopards for playoff charge
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Speaking on The Sportsman Youtube channel, Radlinski was commenting on the state of Super League in 2024 before making the bold prediction that Leigh will be the dark horse to make the top six.
He said: “It really is tight at the top. You just spoke about Catalans and Leigh and Leigh have not been far off all season. They’ve lost a couple of games by a few points, they’re getting some players back.
“I almost think, if I was Adrian Lam, I know he’s committed his future, I’ll be saying, ‘Let’s finish this little period of our success together’, and generating this spirit within the group.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Leigh turned Catalans over at the weekend and they have a really good run at the playoffs. They’re not far away, them guys.”
Leigh travelled to Perpignan earlier in the week and have been boosted by the return of Gaz O’Brien as well as Matty Davis for the clash. They’ll aim to bounce back after defeat against Hull KR whilst Steve McNamara’s side will be looking for a return to form after losing four of their last five.
Former SKy Sports pundit Eddie Hemmings wasn’t as positive as Radlinski about the prospects of Leigh Leopards, noting the record number of fans the club have taken.
Hemmings said: “They will have a great time but you’d still back the Catalans at home, even against Leigh with 1,500 supporters.”
