Leigh Leopards Make a Statement with Dominant Win
In a stunning display of power and skill, the Leigh Leopards defeated the top-of-the-table Hull KR with a decisive 28-10 victory. The Leopards sent a clear message to the rest of the Super League with their performance at the Leopards' Den, overpowering the current league leaders.
Leapords vs Hull KR (RUGBY) Date and Time
The much-anticipated Super League match took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The game kicked off at 15:00 BST at the Leigh Sports Village.
Leapords vs Hull KR (RUGBY)
Match Breakdown
From the first whistle, Leigh showed their intent to challenge the league leaders.
- First Half: The Leopards started strong, with Ethan O'Neill scoring the opening try in the 8th minute, followed by a successful conversion from Greg O'Brien to make it 6-0. Hull KR quickly responded, with tries from Tyrone May and Arthur Mourgue leveling the score at 6-6. However, Leigh finished the half with a flourish, as tries from Ula Hanley and Keanan Brand gave them a 14-6 lead at halftime.
- Second Half: Leigh continued to dominate after the break. A beautiful break from Tesi Niu set up a spectacular try for Lachlan Lam, showcasing Leigh's attacking prowess. The veteran winger, Josh Charnley, also had a memorable game, scoring his 250th and 251st Super League tries, the first of which was a pivotal moment in the match. The final score of 28-10 reflected Leigh's control throughout the second half.
Match Overview
- Final Score: Leigh Leopards 28 - 10 Hull KR.
- Venue: Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.
- Date and Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
- Result: The Leigh Leopards secured a convincing home victory over Hull KR, who were the Super League leaders heading into the match.
Scoring Timeline
The match saw Leigh take control in the first half and maintain their dominance to the end.
- 8 mins: Ethan O'Neill opened the scoring with a try for Leigh. Gareth O'Brien converted to make it 6-0.
- 20 mins: Hull KR responded with tries from Tyrone May and Arthur Mourgue, leveling the score at 6-6.
- 26 mins: Ula Hanley scored a try, putting Leigh back in front at 10-6.
- 32 mins: Keanan Brand extended Leigh's lead with another try, taking the score to 14-6 at halftime.
- 50 mins: Lachlan Lam scored a spectacular try for Leigh, which was set up by a brilliant break from Tesi Niu.This try was considered a contender for try of the year.
- 64 mins: Veteran winger Josh Charnley scored his landmark 250th Super League try in the corner, a pivotal moment that further solidified Leigh's lead at 24-10.
- 70 mins: Hull KR's Jez Litten was sent to the sin bin.
- 80 mins: On the final hooter, Josh Charnley scored his second try of the match and 251st of his career, sealing the final score at 28-10.
Standout Player Performances
Several Leigh Leopards players were instrumental in the victory with exceptional performances.
- Tesi Niu: The center was awarded a perfect 10/10 rating for his performance. His powerful, bulldozing runs constantly troubled the Hull KR defense, and his break in the second half to create Lachlan Lam's try was a highlight of the match.
- Lachlan Lam: The half-back was described as spectacular, contributing four assists and scoring a remarkable try himself through a tremendous support run.
- Josh Charnley: The experienced winger scored two crucial tries, including his 250th career Super League try. His efforts in getting Leigh out of their own territory were also highlighted.
- Umyla Hanley & Keanan Brand: Both centers were rated highly, with each scoring a try and putting in strong attacking performances.
- Bailey Hodgson: Playing at fullback, Hodgson delivered another strong performance with his skillful footwork and ability to break away from defenders.