Leigh Leopards vs Featherstone Rovers Predictions: Holders look to stay afloat

Betfred Challenge Cup holders Leigh Leopards host the team who were their closest rivals during the promotion-winning season of 2022, as Championship side Featherstone renew their rivalry at Leigh Sports Village, live and exclusive on The Sportsman (Kick-off 14:00).

 Rovers have seen their ambitious Super League hopes dramatically dashed in the past two seasons, while rivals Leigh have blossomed on their elevation to rugby league’s top table.

Team news

Leigh have had a bad run with injuries so far in 2024, with key forward Tom Amone the latest name added to their injury list. Amone has broken a bone in his foot and is expected to be out for around eight weeks.

Better news for the Leopards comes with the expected return of influential playmaker Lachlan Lam who could return this weekend, while Robbie Mulhern, Rickie Leutele and Gareth O’Brien are all hoping to recover from “niggling injuries” according to head coach Adrian Lam.

Featherstone name new signing Paul Turner in their squad, with the NRL halfback in line for a potential debut. The 23-year old has arrived from St George Illawarra Dragons and could play alongside Frenchman Thomas Lacans in the halves.

Handicap 2-way alternative 2 – Featherstone Rovers +26.5 @ 8/5

I'm looking forward to commentating on this one but don’t see a Cup upset for our viewers I'm afraid. I do know how motivated Featherstone are to have a real go at their bitter rivals from that promotion tussle two seasons ago, indeed these two teams contested the 1895 Cup Final at Tottenham in 2022 – the competition for teams outside of Super League - Leigh won it, and then won the big one the following year.

It has been startling to see the differing fortunes off the pitch that each club has experienced since, as Leigh maintain their lofty ambitions and Rovers are dogged by financial difficulties and claims that former players have endured lengthy waits to be paid.

That said, Featherstone enjoyed a famous win over bitter rivals Wakefield live on The Sportsman in the last round, and started their Championship campaign last week with a gutsy win away at old foes Batley Bulldogs.

Will that be enough to conquer a Leopards side who have struggled at the start of their latest Super League season? Probably not, but I expect to see a big enough effort from Fev to cover the handicap.

Gareth Gale anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

If Fev do find their way over the Leigh line then it’s a pretty good shout that Gareth Gale will be the man putting the ball down. The powerful winger was the club’s top try scorer again last year and pushed Lachlan Walmsley all the way at the top of the Championship starts.

Gale was the thrilling match-winner with his interception try in that memorable Wakefield golden-point mud bath, but he didn’t score last week at Batley, He very rarely goes two games without a try.

Super League tips from Betfred Insights.