Leigh Leopards 34 - 6 Catalan Dragons
In just three rounds, all questions have been addressed as the Leigh Leopards showcase their potential to contend for the Betfred Super League title. The Catalan Dragons faced a decisive defeat across the field, appearing likely to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season, though there is still ample time to alter their trajectory.
What stands out at the Leopards Den is the seamless integration of both new signings and emerging young talent. Aj Towse delivered an impressive debut performance, while Keenan Brand executed the hard work effectively. Baily Hodgson, filling in at full-back for the absent David Armstrong, demonstrated maturity and composure throughout the match.
The #BeTheRoar supporters can no longer expect to fly under the radar in 2025; the Leopards have established themselves as serious contenders. With this recognition comes heightened pressure, the final hurdle on their journey toward securing silverware.
Let's take a look back at the game:
One distinguishing feature of Super League Raw is our unwavering passion for the game, transcending the outcomes and rivalries. Among our most celebrated offerings is "In the Sheds," where the illustrious David Cain of Super League Raw provides a unique glimpse into the heart of the games.
The Coaches Assessment
Adrian Lam
“I was a bit nervous before the game, to be honest, with a couple of late changes and knowing that Catalans were going to come here a little bit desperate to try and get their first win.”
Steve McNamara
We knew what Leigh would bring. I thought we were a million miles away from where our performance was last week. They beat us to the punch in nearly every area tonight and we’ve paid a heavy price and that’s a really tough game for us to take as a team.
Man of the Match
The Final Word
The Leopards have demonstrated a formidable performance over the first three rounds, characterized by a robust defense that boasts an average tackle efficiency of 90.5%, alongside a dynamic attacking style that has yielded 10 tries. However, a significant challenge may have emerged with concerns regarding Robbie Mulhern, who is feared to be sidelined due to a calf tear, joining Frankie Halton in the treatment room. While the team appeared to manage effectively without their first-choice second row last night, the pressing question remains: can they adequately fill the void left by Mulhern?
The Dragons once again demonstrated their inability to convert field position and territory into points, in stark contrast to their hosts. Steve McNamara must be feeling increasingly uneasy, having experienced a disastrous start to the 2025 season. While two of his losses have occurred against teams that finished higher in the standings last season, the evident lack of cohesion and confidence so early in the season signals significant challenges ahead at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. Fans are growing increasingly restless, and this defeat will likely exacerbate the mounting discontent.
From the Fans Keyboards
(David Owens Facebook) Absolutely fabulous result. I personally want to thank Derek Beaumont for bring the town back together single handedly with what he has done with the rugby team and fan base. Hopefully we will get a chance to see the little town of Leigh Leopards in the bright lights of Vegas. Onwards and upwards.
(Jean-Jacques Bouyrie Facebook) This defeat worries me with players who hesitate to score, at this level it's not normal! Some people will have to spend some time in reserve! Let's hope the returns of Fages, Mourgues, Tomkins, Satae and Pangai in this team, so 5 to leave in the stands, no problem there are choices! As for the coach I prefer to keep quiet. We really need a victory this week.
The Gladiators who took the Field
Leigh Leopards
24 Bailey Hodgson
29 AJ Towse (D)
3 Tesi Niu
4 Umyla Hanley
18 Keanan Brand
6 Gareth O’Brien
7 Lachlan Lam
8 Owen Trout
9 Edwin Ipape
10 Robbie Mulhern
20 Ethan O’Neill
12 Jack Hughes
13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
19 Louis Brogan
15 Alec Tuitavake
16 Matt Davis
17 Brad Dwyer
Try Scorer: Hanley (14, 45, 72), Brand (24), Hughes (29), O’Neill (59)
Tale of the Boot: ’Brien 5/6
Catalan Dragons
18 César Rougé
2 Tommy Makinson
3 Arthur Romano
23 Matthieu Laguerre
5 Nick Cotric
6 Luke Keary
4 Reimis Smith
16 Romain Navarrete
9 Ben Garcia
10 Julian Bousquet
17 Bayley Sironen
12 Elliott Whitehead
13 Oliver Partington
Interchange
11 Tariq Sims
14 Alrix Da Costa
20 Jordan Dezaria
19 Paul Séguier
Try Scorers: Da Costa (66)
Tale of the Boot: Makinson 1/1
Naughty Boys: Dezaria (39)
HOW IT WENT DOWN: 6-0, 12-0, 16-0; 22-0, 28-0, 28-6, 34-6
Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy
3pts - Umyla Hanley
2pts - Lachlan Lam
1pt - Bailey Hodgson
Half-time: 16 - 0
Referee: Jack Smith
Attendance: 8,011
Key Performance Indicators:
Most Tackles – Bayley Sironen - 42
Top Tackle Busts – Umyla Hanley -8
Most Carries – Luke Keary- 22
Most Metres - Bailey Hodgson - 193
Most Hard Metres - Elliot Whitehead - 98
Most Clean Breaks – Umyla Hanley - 3
Most Offloads - Tommy Makinson, Nick Cotric, & Luke Keary - 2
Did you know our members enjoy 7 Days of Rugby League content and programmes?
For unrivalled coverage of the Betfred Super League and to become a part of the fastest growing community in Rugby League, consider one of our memberships before your leave:
Very, very happy with the game last night, I thought Cats started very well in moving the ball and gaining ground but as Steve Mac said about their previous game he was pleased with their attack but disappointed with the lack of finishing, I thought AJ was outstanding and has given Lammy a real headache, I also Keenan is getting better week in week out # be the roar !