Leigh Leopards 2026 season preview
2025 recap
Leigh’s remarkable rise continued in 2025, as they finished in the top three and came within 80 minutes of Old Trafford.
An 18-6 loss to Wigan in the play-off semi-final was no disgrace, and the Leopards also lost at the same stage in the Challenge Cup, to Warrington.
Overall, the Leopards continued to grow though, and they’re getting ever closer to a first Grand Final.
2025 position: 3rd
Key signings
Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Gold Coast Titans), Oliver Polec (St Helens), Innes Senior (Castleford), Adam Cook (Canberra Raiders), Liam Horne (Castleford)
Key departures
Darnell McIntosh (Castleford), Ethan O’Neill (Leeds), Brad Dwyer (Salford RLFC), Jack Darbyshire (TBC), Alec Tuitavake (TBC)
Players to watch
Bailey Hodgson was outstanding in 2025, and will likely start the new season at fullback for the Leopards. How he fits in when David Armstrong is back from long-term injury remains to be seen, but based on last year’s performances, Hodgson should get plenty of game time again this year.
Adam Cook is one of the more under-the-radar players coming to Super League in 2026, but Leigh have a good track record in that department. The 25-year-old has only played eight first grade games in the NRL, but he’s been given the number six jersey at the Leopards, which suggests he’ll be a starter for Adrian Lam.
Young gun
Oliver Polec is another new addition to the Leopards’ squad, with the 19-year-old forward arriving from St. Helens. He never made a first team appearance for Saints, but Leigh have tied him to a three-year contract, so I’d expect to see him make his debut at some point in 2026.
Our prediction – 4th
I’m expecting more of the same from the Leopards in 2026. They’ve become something of a fixture in the play-offs in recent years, and in a sign of how far they’ve come, a top six finish is almost a minimum requirement now. I think a Grand Final victory is a step too far, but another strong play-off push should be on the cards.
