Leigh Leopards Start 2026 Super League Season Strong
Edwin Ipape played a pivotal role in Leigh Leopards' impressive opening victory as they commenced the 2026 Super League season with a commanding performance.
Tries were scored by Senior, Ipape, Hughes, Davis, and Lam for Leigh, with Cook successfully converting three goals. Leeds responded with tries from Jenkins and Croft, while Hankinson added three goals.
Leigh Dominates Leeds in Season Opener
Leigh Leopards began the Super League season with a strong five-try victory over Leeds Rhinos. Adrian Lam's team, who finished third last season, asserted control early in the match against the fourth-placed Rhinos. Tries from Innes Senior and the standout Edwin Ipape gave Leigh a 10-2 lead at halftime.
The match was marked by rising tensions, including an incident where Leeds' Harry Newman alleged he was the victim of an eye gouge. Leeds threatened a comeback as prop Cooper Jenkins responded to early second-half tries from Jack Hughes and Matt Davis.
Lachlan Lam secured the win with a late try, ending Leigh's four-match losing streak against Leeds. Brodie Croft scored a late consolation try for Leeds.
Leeds Faces Injury Challenges
Leeds entered the game missing nine players due to injury, including reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor. Despite this, they took an early lead through a penalty goal by Chris Hankinson, capitalizing on sustained pressure as Leigh adjusted to the new, stricter ruck rules.
After a slow start, Leigh gained momentum. Ipape made a significant break, Bailey Hodgson added pace, and Lam executed a well-timed pass to Senior, who scored on his Super League debut for Leigh.
Ipape continued to disrupt Leeds' defence, leading an attack that resulted in Joe Ofahengaue scoring after receiving an offload.
Second Half Sees Leigh Extend Lead
Leeds coach Brad Arthur's halftime encouragement was short-lived. Immediately after the restart, Riley Lumb dropped the ball, allowing Hughes to kick ahead and score. Davis followed with another try as Leeds' defence faltered.
Jenkins broke through two tackles to score for Leeds, offering a brief resurgence. However, tensions escalated when Newman claimed an eye gouge during a tackle. He was sin-binned following a confrontation, with Davis also sin-binned for his involvement.
Another error by Lumb gave Leigh advantageous field position. Ipape executed a dummy move, passing to Lam, who evaded Tom Holroyd's tackle to secure the victory. Croft's late try provided Leeds fans some consolation.
Team Lineups
Leigh Leopards: Hodgson; Senior, Niu, Brand, Charnley; Cook, Lam; Trout, Ipape, Mulhern, Halton, Alick-Wienke, Ofahengaue
Interchanges: Hughes, Davis, Badrock, Horne, O'Brien.
Leeds Rhinos: Miller; Lumb, Newman, Hankinson, Hall; Croft, Brown; Jenkins, O'Connor, Holroyd, McDonnell, O'Neill, Watkins.
Interchanges: Nicholson-Watton, Levi, Cassell, Littlewood.
