2024 Season Preview: Leigh Leopards

It is fair to say that Leigh Leopards completely shocked everybody in 2023...defying all the expectations that the newly-promoted team would sit amongst clubs at the lower end of the Betfred Super League table or be sent straight back down into the Championship.

Instead, Adrian Lam's men achieved what many other teams still dream of doing to this day - walking out at Wembley, winning the elusive silverware, and challenging and contesting with the best.

Back in August, their magical Challenge Cup win was both an intense and emotional one, as they clinched victory in a golden-point extravaganza, before going on to secure a respectable fifth place and play-off spot as the season came to an end.

A message from Adrian. pic.twitter.com/0IMMoANQwO
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) December 31, 2023

The hard work and efforts put into the club both on and off the field by everyone involved really reflected in 2023, and while Leigh Leopards will be hoping to repeat their fairy tale season and continue to challenge at the top in 2024, they will now be a level of expectation on their shoulders for them to do just that.

Ins & outs

Ins

Dan Norman (St Helens), Owen Trout (Huddersfield Giants), Louis Brogan (Swinton Lions), Lewis Baxter (St Helens), Jack Darbyshire (Warrington Wolves), Kavan Rothwell (Wigan Warriors), Ben McNamara (Hull FC), Matt Moylan (Cronulla Sharks).

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— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) January 8, 2024

Outs

Oliver Gildart (Hull KR), Joe Wardle (Oldham RLFC), Ben Reynolds (Featherstone Rovers), Ava Seumanufagai (Campbelltown City Kangaroos), Aaron Smith (Barrow Raiders).

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Leigh have made a huge statement of intent with their stunning signing of experienced half-back and playmaker Matt Moylan. He joins the Leopards from the elite NRL side Cronulla Sharks, with 191 NRL career appearances under his belt. Moylan will add further quality to an already strong Leopards side in 2024, and will bring his speed, skill, and resilience - and his knowledge of competing in those all-important finals.

Who?s excited to see Matt Moylan run out as a Leopard this season? ? pic.twitter.com/TVVc7hFwpJ
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) January 20, 2024

The ever-present Lachlan Lam became the cult hero of Leigh in 2023 when his memorable last-minute drop goal sealed a magical Challenge Cup Final victory for his side. He also enjoyed arguably the best season in his career to date, becoming one of five Leigh players to be named in 2023 Super League Dream Team. As undoubtedly an integral part to Leigh's success, Lam will be looking to recreate the magic in 2024, as he forms a exciting and highly-anticipated partnership with Matt Moylan. 

With those two star men working together in the middle to create the expansive play, Leigh fans can look forward to the talented displays and entertainment they should witness this year from their side - as the Leopards look to build on last year's success.

Next generation

Umyla Hanley is a key player in the Leopards' group of next generations, with many asking the question of whether he could eventually follow in the footsteps of his famous and prolific father Ellery Hanley - a record three time Man of Steel. Young Hanley joined Leigh from Wigan and debuted for the Leopards last year, making two appearances - most notably in their 2023 Challenge Cup Quarter Final match against York, before featuring in a league game against Catalans.

He also spent the majority of the year on loan to League One side Rochdale Hornets, experiencing valuable game time - in particular scoring a heroic hat-trick in Rochdale's win over North Wales Crusaders in May. Could this year be the year this rising star can break into Leigh's team?

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— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) December 5, 2023

Defining dates

Leigh will be keen to get off to a decent start, as they suffered back to back losses at the beginning of the 2023 campaign, which ended up proved costly in the table's positionings. They face Huddersfield Giants in Round 1, a side they comfortably completed the double over last year and have the advantage of playing on home turf - an opening fixture that is bound to be another one of the enticing extravaganzas that have taken place at the Leigh Sports Village.

There was also a moment in 2023 when it looked like the Leopards could be in with a chance of winning the League Leaders' Shield, following a fascinating run of just one defeat in 14 games. If the Leopards can build momentum like the latter, then they should become a force to be reckoned with once again in 2024.

Squad list

1. Gareth O'Brien, 2. Tom Briscoe, 3. Zak Hardaker, 4. Ricky Leutele, 5. Josh Charnley, 6. Matty Moylan, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Tom Amone, 9. Edwin Ipape, 10. Robbie Mulhern, 11. Kai O'Donnell, 12. Jack Hughes, 13. John Asiata, 14. Dan Norman, 15. Matt Davis, 16. Frankie Halton, 17. Owen Trout, 18. Ben Nakubuwai, 19. Ed Chamberlain, 20. Oliver Holmes, 21. Ben McNamara, 22. Keanan Brand, 23. Nathan Wilde, 24. Umyla Hanley, 25. Tom Nisbet, 26. Jacob Gannon, 28. Jacob Jones, 29. Lewis Baxter, 30. Louis Brogan, 31. Jack Derbyshire, 32. Kavan Rothwell.