Keanan Brand ‘flying’ in recovery as trio ready to bolster Leigh options

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has provided a positive injury update on three players, including Keanan Brand, who is making a ‘flying’ recovery from surgery.

Brand underwent a double hernia operation after his World Cup campaign with Ireland in the off-season.

The 24-year-old spent a couple of weeks away from the Leopards earlier this year as he entered hit reality TV show Love Island, with the club’s permission and full support.

Brand is recovering well from his surgery and isn’t too far away from returning to action, according to Lam.

“He’s flying at the moment,” Lam told Love Rugby League.

“Once he finished the show with Love Island, coming back into training it was important he built a six-week loading block of everything he missed whilst he was away so he’s getting close to being in consideration.”

Keanan Brand one of three players close to returning

Lam also provided good news on hooker Aaron Smith and utility back Tom Nisbet ahead of their Super League clash with Leeds on Friday night.

“Aaron Smith is also back now from a foot injury he had a couple of weeks ago,” Lam said.

“Also cleared this week is Tom Nisbet who had to pass his failed HIA from the previous week so the squad is pretty much the same as what we had last week.”

Leigh captain John Asiata suffered a shoulder/neck knock in last week’s 32-0 win at Wakefield, but he has been passed fit to face the Rhinos this week.

Joe Wardle and Jack Hughes are the only long-term injuries for Leigh, with Fijian powerhouse Ben Nakubuwai expected to return within the next fortnight.

Adrian Lam delighted to keep Wakefield to nil

The Leopards continued their impressive start to life back in Super League on Sunday, winning their fourth game of 2023 thanks to a 32-0 scoreline over strugglers Wakefield.

Lam was pleased with his side’s defence, but feels there’s still plenty more to come in regards to their attack.

“It was a big game for the club obviously,” Lam said.

“From going there as a coach in the past, it has always been a hard trip for whoever you are coaching and I’m sure a lot of players have experienced that as well.

“We knew the challenge and that it was an important game, they brought a few players back as well but for us it was about staying focused.

“It was really pleasing the way we started the game and the way we handled the majority of the match and the outcome was perfect with the zero scoreline.

“I was happy with it (our attack) but I feel there is still a lot of improvement left in us.

“I thought we left four or five tries out on the field and that part was a little bit disappointing because we are working really hard on that but what we are doing is getting ourselves in a position to score – in rugby league that’s the hardest part to do, we can get the skill element right. Hopefully we can look forward to that improving over the next couple of weeks.”

Next up: Rhinos at the Leopards Den

The Leopards will aim to close the gap on sixth-placed Leeds in Friday night’s clash at the Leigh Sports Village.

It has been a mixed start to the season for Rohan Smith’s Rhinos, but Lam knows it will be a tough test on Friday.

“They were a bit up and down at the start but I think they’ve found a bit of form over the last couple of weeks,” Lam said.

“When you look through their team, they’ve certainly got some talent right across the board.

“They will come here as a confident side and I guess it is a real 50-50 game for both teams.

“We’re looking to continue our winning streak but for me, it is important for our growth that we put in an 80-minute performance because we haven’t quite done that yet this year so that’s a challenge.

“When they play well they are a team that can beat anyone, so they’ll come here as a confident side with a couple of wins up their sleeve.

“I think they’ve got some great individuals within their group so it’ll be a tough challenge for us but one we’re looking forward to.”

Leigh host Leeds in Round 10 of Super League on Friday night, 8pm kick-off.

READ NEXT: Barrie McDermott hails the ‘best player of the Super League era’