The unexpected Super League success story of the previous season was the Leigh Leopards. After being promoted in 2022, they quickly adapted to life in the top division. After defeating Hull KR in the championship game, the Leopards won the Challenge Cup and advanced to the postseason.
But for the Leopards, who are currently ranked seventh in the standings after winning just one of their first seven games, this season has been more difficult. They fared better in their most recent game, a narrow loss to Warrington, but many supporters are now eager for the team to bolster the roster.
Derek Beaumont, the owner, has been vocal about his disapproval of any new business ventures. Speaking to Leopards TV, Beaumont acknowledged that the Leopards are having problems with the salary cap.
Leigh Leopards spending up to the cap
While Leigh is scouting for new players for 2025, their current team is being disrupted by key player injuries. According to Beaumont, Leigh has already used up the salary cap space that was available at the beginning of the season.
“The small buffer we had, which we used on Brad Dwyer, is now being somewhat restricted by the salary cap.” Beaumont said, “So, we are pretty much capped up.”
“Chris Chester is actively seeking new hires for the upcoming season and retaining the squad members we wish to keep after the May 1 deadline.”
Leigh will play the Catalans Dragons at home this coming weekend in a challenging match. It doesn’t appear like any more help will show up before then.
Move for NRL target scuppered
Leigh was reportedly considering a move for David Armstrong, a back for the Newcastle Knights who Adrian Lam had highly praised and who was set to take Gareth O’Brien’s place due to injury. Due to that injury, Matt Moylan has been the full-back substitute.
Unfortunately, it appears that the Leopards’ hopes of signing Armstrong were dashed due to injuries sustained by the Knights. Armstrong seemed like the ideal stand-in for O’Brien, in Lam’s opinion.
“We have an injury to Gaz O’Brien at fullback, which is a critical position, and it is a little disruptive to put our six there. Chris Chester is really busy.” That is what we have been focusing on.
“There has been a lot of talk about Tristan Sailor and David Armstrong, and it kind of ruins that, but Kalyn Ponga got a long-term injury.”
Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin discounted Leigh’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs earlier this week. Their hopes are further dashed by the news that they might not be able to bolster their squad anytime soon.
