Leigh Leopards 24 - 10 Huddersfield Giants
The Leopards put on a dazzling spectacle off the pitch, whilst on it they kicked off a new season at the LSV with a bang in the Super League! They wore down the Giants’ stubborn defence at the rain-soaked Leopards Den, keeping their winning streak alive. Now, they're one of just four teams boasting a flawless record after two rounds, though they’re just shy of the top spot due to St Helens’ jaw-dropping points difference. Sure, it wasn’t a flawless performance in the blustery weather, but the Giants hung around until the last quarter without a chance to recreate their magic from last year at LSV.
With the crowd of nearly 8,500 buzzing from Edwin Ipape’s six-year contract extension and a pre-match hype train that could rival last season's, the Leopards were ready to roar for their 2025 home debut! New recruits David Armstrong and Tesi Niu both snagged their first Betfred Super League tries.. Armstrong zipped down the sideline like a lightning bolt for an early second-half score, then set up Niu for the cherry-on-top try that sealed the deal. Adrian Lam’s squad is kicking off the new season with back-to-back wins and plenty of reasons to celebrate!
Let's relive the action:
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The Coaches Assessment
Adrian Lam
Luke Robinson
The Final Word
The #BeTheRoar fans are doing a happy dance with the 4 points they’ve gained from two games in 2024! The Leopards weren’t quite as fierce against the Giants as they were against the Warriors the previous week, but they still flashed some crafty moves in less-than-ideal conditions. It’s clear they’re gunning for a playoff spot and could surprise us all with some silverware this year! Hats off to Chris Chester and Adrian Lam for uncovering gems like Armstrong and the sensational Ethan O’Neil, who’s been a breath of fresh air in the opening rounds. Change is in the air at the Leopards Den, but it’s still on the down-low!
Meanwhile, Huddersfield is riding the happy train after two tough outings that show they’ve upped their game in 2024. Last year, the Giants were giving up a whopping 24 points per game, but this year they’ve tightened the ship to just 11! That’s prime territory for earning the rights to win. With key players like Sutcliffe, King, Milne, and Clune still waiting in the wings, Luke Robinson is brimming with optimism for a better finish than last year’s 9th place. Go #CowbellArmy!
The Gladiators who took the Field
Leigh Leopards
1 David Armstrong
18 Keanan Brand
3 Tesi Niu
4 Umyla Hanley
24 Bailey Hodgson
6 Gareth O’Brien
7 Lachlan Lam
8 Owen Trout
17 Brad Dwyer
10 Robbie Mulhern
11 Frankie Halton
20 Ethan O’Neill
13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
9 Edwin Ipape
12 Jack Hughes
15 Alec Tuitavake
16 Matt Davis
18th man (not used)
19 Louis Brogan
Also in 21-man squad
14 Aaron Pene
22 Ben McNamara
29 AJ Towse
Try Scorer: Brand (8), Armstrong (45), Davis (67), Niu (75))
Tale of the Boot: O’Brien 4/6
Huddersfield Giants
1 Jacob Gagai
2 Adam Swift
12 Sam Hewitt
3 Jake Bibby
20 Elliot Wallis
6 Tui Lolohea
29 George Flanagan
8 Oliver Wilson
9 Zac Woolford
10 Tom Burgess
11 Jack Murchie
17 Joe Greenwood
21 Leroy Cudjoe
Interchange
14 Ashton Golding
15 Matty English
18 Fenton Rogers
25 Jack Billington
Try Scorers: Wilson (25)
Tale of the Boot: Flanagan 3/3
HOW IT WENT DOWN: 4-0, 4-6, 4-8, 6-8; 6-10, 10-10, 12-10, 18-10, 24-10
Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy
3pts - David Armstrong
2pts - Ethan O'Neil
1pt - Oliver Wilson
Half-time: 6-8
Referee: Marcus Griffiths
Attendance: 8,440
Key Performance Indicators:
Most Tackles – Zac Woolford - 50
Top Tackle Busts –Tesi Niu - 5
Most Carries – Tesi Niu - 17
Most Metres - David Armstrong - 142
Hard Metre Maker – Oliver Wilson - 102
Most Clean Breaks – David Armstrong - 2
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