Leigh Leopards came together to celebrate the achievements, commitment and collective spirit of the club at the 2026 End of Season Awards, held last night at Leigh Sports Village.
Players, coaches, playing staff, sponsors and supporters gathered for a special evening recognising the individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Leopards throughout the season.
The event was hosted by Gill Williams, the familiar voice of the Premier Club, who guided guests through an evening celebrating every level of the club—from the Scholarship, Academy and Reserves to the first team and Wheelchair side.
Also in attendance were representatives from each of the club’s six membership tiers. They had been selected at random from members who voted for their respective Membership Player of the Year and were given the honour of presenting the award on behalf of their tier.
Club owner Derek Beaumont opened the evening by reflecting on the 2026 season and speaking about the important role played by the club’s sponsors. He thanked them for their continued support and for the contribution they make to Leigh Leopards both on and off the field.
That support was recognised at the beginning of the evening, with members of the playing squad presenting their individual 2026 season sponsors with signed match shirts. Each of the principal partners featured on the club’s playing shirt was also presented with a shirt signed by the entire first-team squad as a token of the club’s appreciation.
Attention then turned to the awards—and it proved to be an unforgettable night for Joe Ofahengaue.
In a remarkable demonstration of the esteem in which he is held by Leigh supporters, Ofahengaue was named Player of the Year by all six of the club’s membership tiers: White Card, Red Card, Gold Card, Gold Plus, Platinum Card and Black Card.
Each award was presented by the member selected to represent that tier, making the clean sweep an especially powerful reflection of Ofahengaue’s impact and connection with supporters across the club.
His exceptional evening continued as he was named the Coaches’ Forward of the Year, sponsored by Amari Plastics Manchester, before receiving the Players’ Player of the Year, sponsored by MJ May—one of the greatest honours a player can receive, having been chosen by those who take the field alongside him.
Ofahengaue completed an extraordinary haul by also being named the L.I.S.A. Player of the Year, taking his total to nine awards on a memorable night.
Innes Senior’s contribution throughout the campaign was recognised as he received the Coaches’ Back of the Year, sponsored by Struktura.
Louis Brogan was named the club’s Rising Star for 2026, sponsored by Amari Plastics Manchester, in recognition of his continued development and exciting potential.
The prestigious Coaches’ Player of the Year, sponsored by ESSCE, was awarded to Isaac Liu, reflecting the consistency, professionalism and influence he has brought to the team throughout the season.
The evening also celebrated the strength of the club’s expanding player pathway.
Coby Walker was named the Reserves Player of the Year, sponsored by Cal, while Deacon Charnock received the Academy Player of the Year, also sponsored by Cal.
Jake Hancock was presented with the Scholarship Player of the Year, sponsored by Caton Lloyd, recognising his performances and progress during the 2026 season.
The achievements of the club’s Wheelchair team were also celebrated, with Wes Thomasson receiving the Wheelchair Coaches’ Player of the Year.
Away from the field, Stuart Browning was named the Club Person of the Year, sponsored by Trojan Mechanical. The award recognised his outstanding contribution and dedication to Leigh Leopards and everything the club represents.
Our Women’s team will receive their awards in a separate event at the end of their season.
2026 End of Season Awards winners
White Card Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Red Card Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Gold Card Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Gold Plus Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Platinum Card Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Black Card Membership Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Coaches’ Back of the Year, sponsored by Struktura: Innes Senior
Coaches’ Forward of the Year, sponsored by Amari Plastics Manchester: Joe Ofahengaue
Rising Star, sponsored by Amari Plastics Manchester: Louis Brogan
Players’ Player of the Year, sponsored by MJ May: Joe Ofahengaue
Coaches’ Player of the Year, sponsored by ESSCE: Isaac Liu
L.I.S.A. Player of the Year: Joe Ofahengaue
Reserves Player of the Year, sponsored by Cal: Coby Walker
Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by Cal: Deacon Charnock
Scholarship Player of the Year, sponsored by Caton Lloyd: Jake Hancock
Club Person of the Year, sponsored by Trojan Mechanical: Stuartt Browning
Wheelchair Coaches’ Player of the Year: Wes Thomasson
The End of Season Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate far more than individual performances. It was a night that brought together players, staff, sponsors and supporters from across the Leopards family, recognising the commitment and passion that continue to drive the club forward.
Leigh Leopards would like to congratulate every award winner and thank all players, coaches, staff, members and sponsors for their magnificent support throughout the 2026 season.