Leigh Leopards 2025 season preview
2024 recap
2024 was another year of huge progress for the Leythers following their Challenge Cup success in 2023. Things looked bleak after they picked up just one win from their opening seven games, but a strong second half to the season saw them climb inside the top six, and they came within 80 minutes of a Grand Final appearance too. A 38-0 loss to Wigan ended their year on a low, but ultimately it was another year of heading in the right direction.
2024 position: 5th
Key signings
David Armstrong (Newcastle Knights), Isaac Liu (Gold Coast Titans), Tesi Niu (Dolphins), Ryan Brown (Wigan Warriors), Brad Martin (Castleford Tigers), AJ Towse (York Knights), Andrew Badrock (Swinton Lions), Will Brough (Wakefield Trinity), Alec Tuitavake (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Key departures
John Asiata (Hull FC), Zak Hardaker (Hull FC), Oliver Holmes (Hull FC), Ed Chamberlain (Hull FC), Tom Amone (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Kai OβDonnell (North Queensland Cowboys), Ricky Leutele (Souths Logan Magpies), Jacob Jones (Doncaster), Jacob Gannon (York Knights), Tom Nisbet (Townsville Blackhawks), Lewis Baxter (Oldham), Matt Moylan (Retired)
Players to watch
David Armstrong impressed in his handful of NRL appearances with Newcastle Knights in 2024. The 23 year-old fullback scored five tries in as many games for the Knights, filling in as an able deputy for Kalyn Ponga. If things go to plan for Armstrong, he’ll probably end up back in the NRL in a year or two, so he’ll be keen to impress the watching scouts back home.
Tesi Niu is another surprise addition from the NRL, given that he’s already clocked up more than 50 appearances with Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins at just 23 years-old. The Tonga international can play anywhere across the back line, but he’s been given the number three jersey, so it’s a clear indicator that he’ll replace Zak Hardaker in the centres. Niu is another one who may have one eye on a return Down Under if he impresses.
Young gun
Bailey Hodgson is looking to kick start his career after an injury ravaged spell in the NRL. The former Castleford man spent almost four seasons Down Under without playing a first grade game for either Newcastle or Manly, but he’s back in Super League and at just 22, he still has a long career ahead of him if he can steer clear of injuries.
Our prediction – 6th
Leigh’s incredible year in 2023 can no longer be considered a flash in the pan, and they’re one of the teams who are hanging around the play-offs for the foreseeable future. I still don’t think they’ve got enough to get over the line and win a Grand Final yet, and it’ll be interesting to see how they cope with the huge turnover of players in the off-season, but anything below the top six would be considered a disappointment, which shows how far they’ve come.
