Leigh Leopards can confirm that Mairead Quinn has stepped down as captain of the Women’s Team after two fantastic seasons in the role.
Ireland international Mairead is expecting her first child and so has been forced to temporarily hang up her boots- but has vowed to return to action as soon as possible.
“I’m a Leigh girl and have stood on the terraces for many years,” Mairead said.
“So, in 2023, when I was given the opportunity to be the first captain of the Leigh Leopards women’s team I jumped at the chance.
“We had a fantastic first season and came so close to achieving our goal of Super League.
“It fuelled my desire and that of the whole team to go one better in 2024 and we achieved that dream and became a Super League team.”
Leopards enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning all 16 Championship fixtures before then negotiating three successive grand finals to earn promotion to the eight-team Betfred Women’s Super League.
Their campaign was dubbed ‘Mission Impossible’ but led from the front by Mairead it became ‘Mission Possible’. The desolation the team felt after losing the grand final to Barrow Raiders in 2023 was then forgotten.
“The 2024 season is something I’ll treasure forever,” said Mairead.
Looking ahead to this year Mairead added: “I’ve been many things in my life, daughter, sister, teacher, teammate and captain. In 2025 I won’t be leading out the team because I’ll be answering to a new name. Mum.
“I found out at the end of 2024 after a dream season with the girls when our dream became a reality. My boyfriend and I will welcome our first child, so I won’t be available for the start of the season.
“But I’ll be supporting the girls from the sidelines, and I’ll be back to make my Super League debut with a new supporter on the sidelines.”
Head Coach Kieron Purtill said: “It’s probably not great news for the team but fantastic news for the individual and we will all be supporting Mairead and are all excited for her.
“When we found out Mairead was pregnant it’s something that I’ve not come across in my coaching career. It’s certainly something new.
“Every week with this group something pops up that I’ve not had to deal with before and this is one of those.
“It’s one of those that shows what the girls go through, and we are here to support her and are over the moon for her.
“Mairead will be a loss on the field for what she brings but it opens different opportunities for others.
“There’s no pressure on Mairead to return. She’s being smart with her body and doing some light exercises when she can.
“She will have a hybrid role doing some coaching and mentoring. Knowing her commitment she will be aiming to get back on the field as soon as she can.
“Mairead has left a fantastic legacy for what she has done as the first captain of our women’s team, leading us into Super League.”
