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Leigh Leopards Seek Spine Shuffle Solution as Star Player Matt Moylan Ruled Out for Hull FC Clash

The Leigh Leopards will have to reshuffle their starting lineup when they host Hull FC on Sunday, with star player Matt Moylan sidelined due to injury. Moylan’s absence is a significant blow for the Leopards, who sit five points outside the top six playoff spots with seven games remaining in the regular Super League season.

byQuorra Duskmourne

August 9, 2024

Leigh Leopards Face Spine Shuffle as Star Player Matt Moylan Ruled Out for Hull FC Clash

Leigh, [Current Date] – The Leigh Leopards will have to reshuffle their starting lineup when they host Hull FC on Sunday, with star player Matt Moylan sidelined due to injury.

Moylan, who has featured at both fullback and halfback this season, was forced off the pitch at half-time during Leigh’s 28-6 defeat against the Wigan Warriors on Tuesday evening. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Leigh coach Adrian Lam confirmed that Moylan will miss the crucial clash with Hull.

Moylan’s absence is a significant blow for the Leopards, who sit five points outside the top six playoff spots with seven games remaining in the regular Super League season. With Moylan’s rib injury and the continued absence of Gareth O’Brien due to concussion protocol, Lam will have to shuffle his spine options, though he does have a few alternatives at his disposal.

One likely scenario sees Zak Hardaker retain the fullback role, having replaced Moylan in the second half against Wigan. In the halves, utility forward Jack Hughes may once again partner star playmaker Lachlan Lam, while the hooking duties are expected to remain in the capable hands of Edwin Ipape and Brad Dwyer.

Additionally, the Leopards could hand a debut to recent signing Bailey Hodgson, the 21-year-old nephew of former England international Josh Hodgson, who is primarily a fullback but can also play on the wing or in the centres. However, with Leigh’s playoff push gathering momentum, Lam may opt for a more settled lineup to maintain consistency.

“Moylan’s absence is a significant blow for the Leopards, who sit five points outside the top six playoff spots with seven games remaining in the regular Super League season.”