Rugby League News: Leigh Leopards Welcome Back Key Player for Castleford Clash
As the Leigh Leopards prepare to host the Castleford Tigers this Saturday, head coach Adrian Lam has confirmed the return of a key player to the squad. Hooker Edwin Ipape, who earned a spot on the Super League Dream Team last year, is set to make his comeback after being sidelined since the opening round due to a ruptured MCL.
The early weeks of the season have been particularly challenging for the Leopards, with a lengthy injury list impacting several of their star players. However, the team received a boost last week with the return of captain John Asiata, who helped Leigh secure their first home win of the season against the Catalans Dragons.
Lam is eager to have Ipape back in the lineup, describing the Papua New Guinea international as looking “bigger than he’s ever looked and fitter than he’s ever been.” The coach acknowledged that some of the injured players may need around six weeks to regain their top form, but he is hopeful that Ipape’s inclusion will provide a much-needed lift for the squad.
In further injury news, Lam revealed that forward Robbie Mulhern, who has represented both England and Ireland, is nearing a return and could be in contention for the upcoming fixtures against Salford or Huddersfield. However, utility player Dan Norman will miss a couple of weeks after failing his latest head injury assessment.
With the potential debut of Darnell McIntosh, who recently joined the Leopards from Hull FC, Lam is excited about the depth and options he will have available as the team looks to build on their recent success. The new recruit’s speed and versatility in the outside backs could prove to be a valuable asset for Leigh as they navigate the remainder of the Super League season.
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