Kai O’Donnell Etches His Name in Leigh Leopards’ History with Stunning Four-Try Performance
In a match that will be long remembered by rugby league enthusiasts, Kai O’Donnell put on a scintillating display, scoring a remarkable four tries to guide the Leigh Leopards to a 42-12 victory over Hull FC on Sunday. The Australian back-rower’s historic performance made him the first player ever to achieve this feat for the Leopards in a Super League game, as well as the first forward to score three or more tries in the same category.
Prior to this match, only five players had managed to score a hat-trick for Leigh in the Super League, and all of them were backline players. O’Donnell’s four-try haul was truly a standout moment, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination on the pitch. In addition to his try-scoring exploits, the 165 metres he gained from 21 carries and the 19 tackles he made demonstrated his well-rounded contribution to the team’s success.
“Possibly the best performance of the year from anyone in Super League.”
— Adrian Lam, Leigh Leopards head coach
Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam was full of praise for O’Donnell’s performance, describing it as “possibly the best performance of the year from anyone in Super League.” Lam further emphasized the respect he has for the player, stating that he is “right up there in terms of being the best in Super League.”
O’Donnell’s commitment and professionalism were also highlighted, with Lam noting that the player “leaves nothing in the tank” and even refused to come off the field, scoring his fourth try in the closing stages of the match. The coach’s admiration for O’Donnell’s development and leadership qualities was evident, as he acknowledged the club’s role in helping the player reach this impressive level of performance.
Unfortunately for the Leopards, the Brisbane-born back-rower will be returning to the NRL in 2025, having signed a two-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys. This news will undoubtedly leave a significant void in Lam’s pack, but the coach expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with a player of O’Donnell’s caliber.
🔗 Source
