Leigh Leopards v Wigan Warriors
Betfred Super League Play-Off Semi-Final
Leigh’s Championship Semi-final appearances
The Rugby League Championship has been decided on both a league basis and play-off basis since 1895. The play-off basis was introduced in 1907 and lasted until 1973, apart from two brief seasons of two divisions in the 1960s. It was re-introduced in 1998.
Leigh have only been in two Championship Play-Off Semi-finals in the club’s history:
1924- lost 27-0 at Wigan (15,000)
1951- lost 15-9 at Warrington (26,000)
Highest league positions in successive seasons
Leigh finished fifth in 2023 and fifth in 2024 but with qualifying for the semi-final are effectively at least fourth under IMG guidelines.
Leigh have only finished higher than fourth on three occasions: 1906 and 1982 (both champions) and second in 1919 (shortened Lancashire League season following cessation of first world war). We finished fourth in 1924, 1951 and 1971.
Never have we before in the club’s history finished as high in successive seasons.
1906- won the league based on league table not play-off system. Finished 11th in the previous season and 15th in the following season.
1919- finished second in shortened season after cessation of the war, but 15th in previous season (1915) and 20th in 1921.
1924- finished fourth but were 6th in 1923 and 20th in 1925.
1951- finished fourth but were 6th in 1950 and 7th in 1952.
1971- finished fourth but were 7th in 1970 and 16th in 1972.
1982- won the league but were 9th In 1981 and 10th in 1983.
Highest average crowds for 69 years
Leigh Leopards’ average home league attendance in 2024 was 8,333 based on tickets sold (in 2023 it was 7,254). This is the club’s highest average for 69 years since we averaged 8,678 in 1955. In 2013 the average was 1,566, so crowds have increased by 532percent in 11 years.
Last win at Wigan
Leigh last won at Wigan (Central Park) on Sunday 28 Aug 1983. Won 26-12 (John Henderson 2, Mick Hogan, Ray Tabern tries; Steve Donlan 4, Henderson goals). Attendance: 9.343.
