Howard’s Way at Leopards Women’s Team Awards

Leigh Leopards Women captain Kate Howard carried off the major individual awards as the players, staff and sponsors celebrated a successful year at the end of season evening at Rowley’s Pool Hall.

Leopards finished sixth in their inaugural season in the Betfred Women’s Super League and reached the last eight of the Challenge Cup.

Howard, Leopards’ top try-scorer with seven tries from hooker, was chosen as Players’ Player of the Year and Woman of Steel.

Rhiannah Burke, one of three ever-present alongside 2024 Woman of Steel Storm Cobain and Lucy Johnson, won the Coaches’ Player of the Year.

Lucy Johnson, outstanding in the front row throughout the season, was Young Player of the Year.

Head coach Kieron Purtill was compere at the well-attended evening and gave Special Achievement awards to Charlotte Melvin and Emily Baggaley, who both represented Lancashire Origin, and Abi Gordon, who won Scotland selection.

Storm Cobain and Mollie Young both represented Ireland.

The success of the team was underpinned by a strong and committed group of players and staff, and Keira McCosh received the final award of the evening as Club Person of the Year.

Special thanks to Dave Rowland for providing the fantastic venue and catering and for his long-standing commitment to the grass roots, community and professional game in our town and to Atlas Plastics for sponsoring the awards.

Kit sponsors for the 2025 season included: The Glass Girls brought to you by Regency Glass, WJ Structures, CatonLloyd, Elite Electrical, Skyrise, Leopard Rock, Leisure Resorts, Impact Insurance, Anthony’s Travel, AB Sundecks, George & Dragon and The Boar’s Head.

The support of our kit and player sponsors was integral to another season of progress for the Leopards, who provide elite sporting opportunities for women and girls in the fast growing Women’s game.