Leigh Leopards’ Inconsistent Start to the Super League Season
Leigh Leopards, the unexpected success story of the 2022 Super League season, have found the current campaign more challenging. Having won promotion and lifted the Challenge Cup last year, the Leopards have struggled to maintain their impressive form.
Currently sitting seventh in the table, the Leopards have won just one of their opening seven matches. Despite a narrow defeat against Warrington in their most recent game, many fans are calling for the club to strengthen the squad.
However, outspoken owner Derek Beaumont has ruled out any immediate business, citing salary cap issues. Beaumont has admitted that the Leopards have already spent the salary cap space that existed at the start of the season, with the acquisition of Brad Dwyer leaving them “pretty much capped up.”
Injuries to key players have further disrupted the Leopards’ squad, with head coach Chris Chester actively recruiting for next year’s team and focusing on retaining current players before the May 1 deadline.
The Leopards’ reported interest in Newcastle Knights’ back David Armstrong, seen as a potential replacement for the injured Gareth O’Brien, appears to have been thwarted by injuries at the Knights. With Kalyn Ponga’s long-term absence, the move for Armstrong has been scuppered.
“The news that the Leopards may be unable to strengthen their squad in the near future represents a further blow to their chances of making the playoffs, as highlighted by Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin earlier this week.”
As the Leopards prepare to face a difficult home game against the Catalans Dragons, it seems unlikely that any reinforcements will arrive before then. The news that the Leopards may be unable to strengthen their squad in the near future represents a further blow to their chances of making the playoffs, as highlighted by Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin earlier this week.
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