Zak Hardaker starts as Leigh and Salford name strong teams for opener

Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils have named their teams for tonight’s Super League opening round clash at Leigh Sports Village.

Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele headline a fearsome looking Leigh side which includes new signings across the pitch, with their star man from last season, Edwin Ipape, named on the bench with Matt Davis surprisingly starting at hooker.

The match will see Leigh take to the pitch in a competitive match for the first time since they were renamed the ‘Leopards’ during the off-season by their owner Derek Beaumont.

Salford include reigning Man of Steel Brodie Croft, who recently signed a seven-year contract extension with the club, with their head coach Paul Rowley returning to face the side he both played for and coached.

There are a number of ex-Leigh stars in the Red Devils line-up to add extra spice to the fixture, with Leigh’s record try-scorer Ryan Brierley likely to receive a warm reception from the home fans.

Leigh: Hardaker, Charnley, Chamerlain, Leutele, Briscoe, O’Brien, Lam, Amone, Davis, Mulhern, Wardle, Holmes, Asiata, Nakubuwai. Interchance: Hughes, O’Donnell, Ipape, Reynolds.

Salford: Brierley, Sio, Cross, Lafai, Williams, Croft, Sneyd, Dupree, Ackers, Vuniyayawa, Watkins, Stone, Partington. Interchange: Gerrard, Ormondroyd, Atkin, Wright.

🚨The Leopards and Red Devils have named their teams for their opening clash in #SuperLeague 2023 💪

Don't miss any of the action LIVE on @SkySportsRL 📺 pic.twitter.com/4J2wfY0KdW

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 17, 2023