The Leigh Leopards are facing a significant challenge as star player David Armstrong experiences a setback in his recovery from injury. Initially, fans were hopeful that he would return by Round 4 of the Super League season, but new reports indicate that he may not make it back until at least Round 8.
Armstrong, who joined the Leopards ahead of the 2025 season on a three-year contract from the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, had shown great promise during his limited appearances in Australia. Expectations were high for his impact on the team. However, just as he was beginning to find his footing, an unfortunate Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury disrupted both his and the team's aspirations, forcing him to the sidelines after just 15 matches across various competitions.
Despite his determination to play through pain, Armstrong ultimately underwent surgery shortly after his last game against the Leeds Rhinos in June. Early in the pre-season, there was optimism surrounding his recovery, with reports suggesting he could return by Round 4 or even participate in the Challenge Cup Fourth Round a week later.
But here's where it gets controversial: just when it seemed like his comeback was imminent, Armstrong encountered a significant delay that has pushed his expected return date further back. Now, the earliest the Leopards anticipate seeing their star full-back back on the field is during the Round 8 match against the newly-promoted York team on February 17.
In the meantime, Armstrong's teammate Bailey Hodgson, who also played alongside him at Newcastle, will be stepping in to fill the full-back position for coach Adrian Lam's squad. The Leopards have an upcoming match against Championship side North Wales Crusaders in the Third Round of the Challenge Cup this weekend, followed by their first Super League game of the season against the Leeds Rhinos on February 13.
This situation raises some important questions: How will Armstrong's absence affect the team's performance early in the season? Can Hodgson maintain the level of play needed in such a crucial position? As fans, what are your thoughts on how this injury setback might shape the Leopards' campaign this year? We’d love to hear your perspectives, so feel free to share in the comments!
