Leigh Leopards player ratings: Forwards outshine backs in St Helens defeat with two performances highlighted

A game with a play-off feel in Round 25 with both sides deserved of credit for a feisty fixture at the Totally Wicked Stadium, resulting in a 22-12 victory for St Helens. 

Tommy Makinson scored twice on the night for the four-peat champions, with Jonny Lomax and Joe Batchelor also crossing. St Helens have now moved to second on the Super League table above Wigan, who face Leeds on Saturday.

Here are our Leigh Leopards player ratings.

Gareth O’Brien – 7. Was safe under every high ball and cleaned up well at the back… until Tommy Makinson’s 50th minute try. Was solid until then but ultimately that mistake proved costly.

Tom Briscoe – 7. Thought his late effort had levelled the scores only for the video referee to disallow the effort. Later spilled it under pressure with four minutes left on the clock.

Ed Chamberlain – 7. Back in the first team with Josh Charnley out and Oliver Gildart on the wing. Credit to all Leigh players for their involvement in a great spectacle live on Sky Sports.

Zak Hardaker – 8. Jon Wilkin praising Hardaker on commentary for his defensive efforts. Solid game. Was forced off to undergo head injury protocols in the first 40 and later passed. Best outside-back on the night.

Oliver Gildart – 7. Scored the first try but nothing eye catching apart from that.

Ben Reynolds – 7. Forwards outshined the backs on the night.

Lachlan Lam – 7. Energetic as always. Was the more dominant half-back of the two.

Tom Amone – 7. Couple of mistakes in his game under pressure which is rarely seen. Can’t happen come play-offs with no second chances.

Edwin Ipape – 7. Fairly solid stint from the Papua New Guinea star. St Helens did well to manage his impact in the middle until his involvement in last try to set up a tense finish.

Robbie Mulhern – 8. Continues to enjoy his finest season in Super League to date with another four-pointer in the defeat – his fourth try of the season!

Kai O’Donnell – 9. Another forward who impressed and stood up to St Helens in the middle, especially in defence. Saints just too good on the night.

Jack Hughes – 7. Not a lot wrong from the former Warrington skipper’s performance.

Matt Davis – 9. Did everything asked of him in both attack and defence. One of his best games in a Leigh shirt.

Bench

Joe Mellor – 7.

Frankie Halton – 7.

Ben Nakubuwai – 6.

Joe Wardle – 6.

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