It’s Leopards versus Saints tonight as Leigh look to upset the odds as they take on St Helens at the Leigh Sports Village.
It’s been a tough start for Adrian Lam’s men, losing out in the opening two narrowly, but they did pick up a result last week against Hull KR, winning 30-25.
Josh Charnley’s last-minute try secured the victory for the Leopards and boosts them up to eighth in the table.
However, the chance of building on last week’s win will be a momentous task as the European Champions come to town.
Saints are wounded though after a heart-breaking last-minute defeat to Leeds Rhinos in controversial circumstances.
Blake Austin’s drop goal was overshadowed by claims of offences by both sides.
Saints were initially aggrieved after they felt Sam Walters shoulder charged Matty Lees and their protests led to a penalty for the visitors.
The sense of injustice was still lingering when their centre Konrad Hurrell was dismissed for a similar offence on Richie Myler, leading to a Rhinos penalty.
However, the Saints will be looking to bounce back from that loss and can’t afford another slip-up when they travel to Leigh tonight.
Head coach Paul Wellens expects the hosts to be on a high after their win last week.
Speaking to the St Helens Star, he said: “Regardless of whether Leigh had won or lost last week, they were always going to be up for this game.
“A lot of people were too quick to talk Leigh down at the start of the year but winning last week will give them huge confidence and that will make for a really good game.
“If you look at their playing roster and their playing experience of knowing what it takes to win at this level, there’s plenty of that in their team. We know what we are coming up against.”
It’s expected to be a big crowd packing out the Leigh Sport Village tonight, with Darts world champion Michael Smith expected to be in attendance.
He will be hoping to see his beloved Saints respond in the right way to last week’s setback.
