Leigh Leopards 2024 season review
Overview
After their Challenge Cup success in 2023, this year was all about the Leopards continuing their upwards trajectory and they duly delivered, as they came within 80 minutes of a first Grand Final.
After just one win from their opening seven games, you’d have got long odds on Leigh reaching the top six, but a 30-2 win over Catalans in late April was the turning point. That was the first of a four-game unbeaten run, but it was in the summer when things started to really click into gear and the Leopards soared towards the top six.
A 20-16 win over Huddersfield in round 17 started them off, as they won nine of their next 10 games to put themselves firmly in the play-off picture.
A 0-24 loss at home to Hull KR in round 26 left them with work to do heading into the final round of the regular season. However, an 18-12 win over St Helens confirmed their place in the top six, and an elimination final at Salford.
They knocked the Red Devils out on their own patch with a hard-fought 6-14 win, before being comprehensively beaten by neighbours Wigan in the semi-final.
It was a disappointing way to finish the campaign, but overall the Leopards’ remarkable progress continued in 2024, and they’re certainly a club heading in the right direction.
Highs
In a short space of time, Leigh have truly established themselves as a Super League force.
In their two meetings with Hull, they destroyed the Black and Whites by an aggregate of 94-16, they didn’t concede a single try against Catalans Dragons in their two clashes, and they beat St Helens twice, including a 46-4 thrashing.
Off the pitch, they continued to be one of the competition’s most talked about clubs, thanks to a number of initiatives, such as their pre-match entertainment and their successful rebrand.
And as for individuals, there were so many strong performers throughout the year, including Josh Charnley, whose 18 tries edged him up to second in Super League’s all-time standings.
Lows
While progress continues to be made at Leigh, they’re still a little short when it comes to taking that final step.
They failed to beat either of the top two, with Hull KR nilling them twice, and Wigan beating them by a combined score of 130-24 in their four meetings, which also included a nilling.
There was also the sudden retirement of former Australia international Matt Moylan at the end of the year, while a number of players are moving on in 2025, including Zak Hardaker and influential skipper John Asiata.
Reasons to be positive in 2025
With the possible exception of Hull KR, no club has grown as rapidly as Leigh over the past few years, so there’s every reason to be optimistic for 2025.
Although they’re losing some big names next year, they’ve already signed a number of replacements, and one man in particular could become one of Super League’s stars next year – Tesi Niu.
At just 23, the Tonga international still has his best years ahead of him, and he has 50+ NRL games under his belt from his time at Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins.
David Armstrong will be another one to watch when he arrives from Newcastle Knights, while Isaac Liu brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Roosters and the Titans.
My 2024 prediction – 6th
Final 2024 position – 5th (+1)
Another pleasing prediction for me, although it wasn’t looking too good after the first eight rounds. I said that Leigh were here to stay after their exploits in 2023, and another top six push looks a distinct possibility next year, too.
