Leigh and Salford lock horns in the derby on Super League’s opening weekend

At the dawn of another year in the Super League, newcomers Leigh Leopards host a Salford side hoping to emulate their 2022 successes.

After another season in the Championship, Leigh are back in the top flight with high hopes of making it long term. They have refreshed their squad since their last appearance in the Super League, and wiped the floor with the Championship last year.

They have rebranded as the Leopards and signed some real talents, they’re pulling out all the stops to make a name for themselves in the Super League. The game on Friday evening will see a live performance from the band Scouting For Girls before kick-off, as it was revealed that the teams will have to train elsewhere

The Leopards may well be in a great position for survival, but the competition has never been tougher, as an opening weekend match against Salford will likely demonstrate.

The Red Devils had a remarkable 2022, finishing in the play-offs before eventually falling short against the competition’s best side. They have bulked up their squad over the Winter season, and are ready to push for further improvements.

Furthermore, their recent announcement that Star man Brodie Croft has committed his long term future to the club, shows their ambitions for success. With the right investment elsewhere, Croft can be the man to lead the club into a new era challenging at the top of the Super League.

The two sides have contested this derby only seven times in the last eight years, despite its long history. Unexpectedly, Leigh have had the measure of Salford, winning four of those seven ties across three seasons where they were subsequently relegated.

Leigh have also won the previous two meetings on their home soil, so they will be relishing the fact that Friday’s game is at the Leigh Sports Village stadium.

It is imperative that the Leopards get their season off to a good start to build confidence. If they want to achieve their ambitions of staying in the division then they cannot afford to let a free flow of bad results build up from the off.

Meanwhile, Salford will hope to make light work of a newly promoted side to stamp their authority on the play-off spots early doors. If they want to achieve their goals this season, then fixtures like the Leopards are must wins, as there is very little room for error this campaign.

As for the team news, Adrian Lam has released a strong squad for Leigh’s first game back in the Super League. New signings: Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Ricky Leutele, Robbie Mulhern, Jack Hughes, Oliver Holmes, Gareth O’Brien, Matty Davis, Jacob Gannon and Ava Seuamanufunai have all been named in their 21-man squad. They are also able to call upon Tom Amone, after the prop forward was cleared of a Grade F charge by the judiciary panel.

Salford boss Paul Rowley said he may only be able to name an initial 19-man squad for the fixture due to injuries. However, the Red Devil’s have put out a full 21-man team that includes new signings Sam Stone, Oliver Partington, Adam Sidlow and Ellis Longstaff. The most noticeable absentee is their star winger Joe Burgess.

Full 21-man squads (in shirt number order)

Leigh Leopards: Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Ed Chamberlain, Ricky Leutele, Josh Charnley, Lachlan Lam, Tom Amone, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Joe Wardle, Jack Hughes, John Asiata(c), Ben Nakubuwai, Ben Reynolds, Oliver Holmes, Gareth O’Brien, Matty Davis, Aaron Smith, Jacob Gannon, Kai O’Donnell, Ava Seuamanufunai.

Salford Red Devils: Ryan Brierley, Ken Sio, Kallum Watkins(c), Tim Lafai, Brodie Croft, Marc Sneyd, Jack Ormondroyd, Andy Ackers, King Vuniyayawa, Sam Stone, Oliver Partington, Chris Atkin, Tyler Dupree, Shane Wright, Alex Gerrard, Adam Sidlow, Ellis Longstaff, Amir Bourouh, Rhys Williams, Matt Costello, Deon Cross.

The fixture will be live on Sky Sports Arena from 19:30, with kick-off due to take place at 20:00.

 

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