Leigh Leopards Face Spine Shuffle Ahead of Crucial Hull FC Clash
As the Leigh Leopards prepare to host Hull FC on Sunday, they will be forced to reshuffle their spine following the injury to star man Matt Moylan. The former Australia international, who has been utilized as both a fullback and a halfback this season, exited the action at halftime in Leigh’s 28-6 defeat to the Wigan Warriors on Tuesday.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Leigh coach Adrian Lam confirmed that Moylan would be ruled out of the crucial clash with Hull, dealing a significant blow to the Leopards’ playoff aspirations. With Moylan sidelined due to a rib injury and Gareth O’Brien still absent due to concussion protocol, Lam will have to make some tough decisions when it comes to his team’s spine.
One likely option is to keep Zak Hardaker at fullback, with the former Man of Steel expected to play the full 80 minutes against his future club Hull. In the halves, utility forward Jack Hughes, who filled in at stand-off against Wigan, could partner Lachlan Lam, though this does put added pressure on the star halfback to orchestrate the Leopards’ attack.
“With youngster Ben McNamara also sidelined, Lam’s options in the halves are limited, so Hughes and Lam are expected to retain their roles in the six and seven jerseys.” – Adrian Lam
However, the potential debut of Bailey Hodgson could provide another avenue for the Leopards to explore. The 21-year-old, who has recently linked up with the club from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, is primarily a fullback but can also play on the wing or at centre, potentially offering Lam some flexibility in his backline.
One area of relative stability for Leigh is at hooker, where starting number nine Edwin Ipape and deputy Brad Dwyer have been performing well, and this is set to continue as the Leopards push for a late-season playoff berth.
Overall, the Leigh Leopards face a significant challenge in reshuffling their spine, but Lam will be hoping his team can find the right combinations to overcome a tough Hull FC side and keep their playoff dreams alive.
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