Leigh Leopards coach Adrian Lam confirms major boost with international forward set to return

Leigh Leopards coach Adrian Lam has revealed that Ireland international Frankie Halton could return from a lengthy injury lay-off this weekend.

The 27-year-old has not played since suffering a torn pectoral muscle on his Leigh debut in a 30-12 win over Warrington on May 26.

Halton, who represented Ireland in last year’s World Cup, linked up with his hometown club Leigh earlier this season on a deal until the end of the 2025 campaign.

The versatile forward could return for Friday’s clash with Huddersfield at the Leigh Sports Village.

“The squad will be very similar, the only other player that will come into consideration will be Frankie Halton,” Lam told Love Rugby League.

“He’s just about right to make his comeback into the squad, obviously he has missed nearly three months now with a pec injury so he’s been training really well for us over the last month so he’ll certainly add a little bit to us if he comes into the 17.

“It hasn’t been a good start for him but, having said that, at least it was at a time when he could get back with the last four games of the season to go.

“He will bring a lot of punch for us, some size and a little bit of experience. It’s probably what we need in the group at the moment and just a fresh body into the team will certainly be exciting.”

Halton adds plenty of utility value to the Leopards, being able to play anywhere in the forward pack.

When asked where he sees Halton playing, Lam replied: “I think he’s definitely a back-rower, the type of player I like with the style he plays but he can also play at 13 or in the middle as a front-rower.

“He’s going to have to build up his time and load as each week goes on, that’s having the thought process that he gets through this week and we can name him on Friday so we’ll give him up to captain’s run on Thursday and hopefully he’s in that squad.”

Leigh Leopards boss provides update on Josh Charnley

Josh Charnley was spotted holding his ribs a couple of times during their 52-10 defeat at Hull KR last Friday, with Lam providing an update on the in-form winger, who has scored 26 tries in as many matches this season.

“Josh was clutching his ribs but there was a handful of them, nearly 10 of them that had niggling injuries that people don’t realise,” Lam said.

“We’ll give Josh every opportunity to play this week, I think it is a massive game for us in the sense of where we sit on the ladder and where they sit on the ladder.

“They are playing to try to squeeze into that six and we’re trying to stay in the top four so I’m looking for a completely different attitude this week.

“Everyone that’s fit, we can’t go on with players that are carrying niggles this week, so I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

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