Leigh Leopards host Wakefield Trinity on Friday night in the first of the Super League play-off matches with one key man out through injury.
The Leopards recorded their highest-ever finish in Super League, placing third to guarantee them a home play-off tie and set up a tie with Wakefield Trinity.
Daryl Powell’s side enter the play-offs in good form with their Round 26 win over Hull KR a particular standout, blitzing the League Leaders Shield winners in the first half.
Having beaten Leigh on the road already this season, they’ll fancy their chances but the Leopards’ home form is strong with that defeat to Wakefield one of just three losses the Leigh Sports Village in 2025.
Ahead of the press conferences and the 21-man squad announcements, we’ve looked at the early team news including which players are doubts and those who are ruled out.
Leigh Leopards team news
Gareth O’Brien is among the players who Leigh will be concerned about with the half, who has just signed a new one-year deal, needing stitches for a cut on his hand sustained in the win last week over Huddersfield.
A big boost is the return of Edwin Ipape who had been suspended for the round 27 clash against Huddersfield, whilst Ethan O’Neill (hamstring) is also in line to return.
The second-rower has missed a number of games but should be fine to play meaning the biggest issues for Adrian Lam would be selection headaches, as opposed to injury woes.
Full-back David Armstrong (ACL) is out until early next season whilst Louis Brogan (knee) is another who will miss out with the Leopards generally in good health.
Wakefield Trinity team news
The key loss for Wakefield is full-back Max Jowitt who failed a HIA early on against Salford Red Devils, ruling him out automatically.
It’s another blow to their backs with Corey Hall (foot) previously ruled out for the year after undergoing an operation.
Isaiah Vagana looked to suffer a season-ending injury against Huddersfield in late August so he’s another who will miss out, with Caleb Hamlin-Uele also absent from an otherwise strong forward pack.
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
