In an exciting matchup, Leigh will face Bradford for only the third time ever in the Super League. This encounter on Sunday marks the first meeting between the two teams since Leigh adopted the ‘Leopards’ name. Their last clash took place on July 3, 2022, where Leigh dominated with a 56-6 victory at Odsal Stadium.
Leigh’s Dominance in Previous Meetings
The 2022 match showcased Leigh’s strength, as they secured an impressive ten tries en route to a treble-winning season at the Championship level. This accomplishment included winning the 1895 Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and the Grand Final, leading them back to the Super League.
Key Players from Leigh’s 2022 Squad Now at Bradford
Three current players on the Bradford roster featured in that memorable 2022 encounter. Here’s a closer look at these individuals:
- Caleb Aekins – The New Zealand-born Wales international joined Leigh for the 2022 season before moving to Featherstone Rovers. He is now part of the Bulls’ squad.
- Blake Ferguson – Ferguson made a significant impact at Leigh, scoring 21 tries in 17 appearances. He is now playing in Australia’s local leagues.
- Ed Chamberlain – The Ireland international spent a season at Leigh before joining Hull FC and is currently on loan to Bradford.
Other Notable Players from Leigh’s 2022 Team
Several other players from the Leigh side of 2022 have made their mark elsewhere:
- Nene Macdonald – The Papua New Guinean centre, now with St Helens, scored 27 tries during his single season at Leigh.
- Krisnan Inu – Following a record-breaking tenure at Leigh, Inu transitioned to coaching and is now with Salford as an assistant.
- Ben Reynolds – With nearly 250 career games under his belt, Reynolds has had notable spells at various clubs, including Leigh.
- Joe Mellor – Once Leigh’s co-captain, Mellor is now part of Bradford’s setup under head coach Kurt Haggerty.
Leigh’s Future Leadership
Leigh’s coach, Adrian Lam, has been at the helm since 2022, leading the team to significant achievements, including three consecutive playoff finishes. His contract extends until 2027, promising stability for the club moving forward.
Bradford’s Starting Lineup and Head Coach
In preparation for the upcoming match, Bradford’s starting lineup from their last clash against Leigh is as follows:
- Starting 13: Elliot Kear, David Foggin-Johnston, Aaron Murphy, Kieran Gill, Ryan Millar, Dec Patton, Jordan Lilley, Ebon Scurr, Thomas Doyle, Steve Crossley, Samy Kibula, AJ Wallace, Sam Hallas
- Bench: George Flanagan, Jordan Baldwinson, Ant Walker, Joe Burton
- Head Coach: Mark Dunning
The anticipation for Leigh’s latest clash with Bradford is palpable, showcasing the evolution of both teams since their previous bouts, and highlighting the talent that has migrated across clubs in the Super League.
