Leigh Leopards Triumph with Kai O’Donnell’s Historic Four-Try Performance
In a captivating Super League clash, Leigh Leopards secured a convincing 42-12 victory over Hull FC, with a remarkable individual display from Australian back-rower Kai O’Donnell stealing the spotlight.
O’Donnell etched his name in the history books, becoming the first player to score four tries for Leigh in a single Super League game. The feat is even more impressive as he is the first-ever forward to achieve this milestone in the same competition.
Prior to Sunday’s match, only five players had scored a hat-trick for the Leopards in Super League, all of whom were backs – Phil Jones, Danny Halliwell, Ryan Brierley, Umyla Hanley, and Josh Charnley. O’Donnell’s quadruple triumph now stands as a new benchmark for the club.
“Possibly the best performance of the year from anyone in Super League.”
- Adrian Lam, Leigh Head Coach
Beyond the tries, O’Donnell’s overall performance was nothing short of exceptional. He recorded 165 metres from 21 carries and made 19 tackles, leaving a lasting impression on the match. Leigh head coach Adrian Lam was full of praise, describing it as “possibly the best performance of the year from anyone in Super League.”
Lam’s admiration for O’Donnell’s resilience and work ethic was evident, as he revealed the player had to be persuaded to take a rest late in the game, despite having already found the tryline four times. The coach’s words highlight the team’s respect and appreciation for O’Donnell’s dedication and leadership.
The Brisbane-born forward, who will return to the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys in 2025, has now scored 29 tries in 71 appearances for the Leopards since joining the club in 2022 when they were in the Championship. Lam acknowledged that the team will miss O’Donnell’s influence when he departs, but expressed pride in the club’s role in his development.
With this historic performance, Kai O’Donnell has etched his name in the annals of Leigh Leopards’ Super League history, setting a new benchmark for individual excellence and showcasing his remarkable talent and contribution to the team’s success.
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