Key Points
- Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has dismissed talk of a feud with Wigan Warriors ahead of their latest Super League clash on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Brick Community Stadium.
- The match is Round 3 of the 2026 Betfred Super League season, with Wigan unbeaten after wins over Castleford Tigers and Hull FC.
- Leigh enter on the back of a first loss to St Helens, with Lam labelling it their “worst in nine months”.
- Historical context: Leigh’s historic 1-0 golden-point win at Wigan in February 2025 (first away win since 1983) drew 21,748 fans, Super League’s biggest opening crowd.
- Lam previously called the rivalry “as big as Wigan-Saints” post-2025 win, but now plays it down.
- Wigan dominate recent head-to-head: Won 13 of last 14 Super League meetings before Leigh’s 2025 upset.
- Injury doubts: Leigh’s Umyla Hanley may miss out (shoulder injury, 60% fitness).
- Wigan coach Matty Peet praises physicality of past derbies; Lam echoes “finals feel”.
- Lam opposes golden-point extra time, saying both teams deserve a point in tight games.
- 2025 opener was try-less draw (0-0 after 80 mins), first in Super League history; Gareth O’Brien scored drop-goal.
- Event featured Michael Buffer for Sky Sports Vegas promo.
- Wigan aim for title defence after 2024 Grand Slam; Leigh challenge for silverware.
Leigh (Manchester Mirror) February 26, 2026 – Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has played down suggestions of a deepening feud with local rivals Wigan Warriors ahead of their pivotal Super League encounter this evening at the Brick Community Stadium. The 54-year-old Papua New Guinea international, speaking in pre-match comments, emphasised focus on performance over personal animosities as the Battle of the Borough reignites in Round 3 of the 2026 season. With Wigan unbeaten and Leigh seeking redemption after a recent defeat, Lam’s measured tone sets the stage for a fiercely contested derby.
What Did Adrian Lam Say About the Feud?
As reported ahead of the February 26, 2026, clash by journalists covering the Super League, Adrian Lam batted off feud narratives, insisting the rivalry remains competitive but not personal. “It’s rugby league; we respect each other on the field,” Lam stated, according to pre-match previews, redirecting attention to tactical preparations. This comes after Lam’s own past elevation of the derby, where post-2025 win he declared to All Out Rugby League’s coverage: “It’s becoming just as big a derby as what Wigan-Saints is, and had we had a bigger stadium at Leigh, the numbers might show that as well. We can’t get too excited, but I’m happy with the progress that’s about to come.”
Lam, formerly Wigan’s coach from 2019-2021 where he secured the League Leaders’ Shield, knows the fixture intimately. Wikipedia notes his tenure guided Wigan to the 2020 Grand Final, losing narrowly to St Helens. His comments neutralise any brewing tension, especially after Wigan’s dominant run.
Why Is the Battle of the Borough So Intense?
The rivalry, dubbed Battle of the Borough for their Wigan proximity, traces deep history. Leigh Leopards’ official site recalls routine 1970s-80s wins at Central Park, now a supermarket site, but Wigan’s dominance ensued with Super League’s advent. Wigan Warriors’ blog details 13 wins in the last 14 Super League meetings pre-2025, including a 38-0 play-off semi-final in 2024 and 44-18 in 2023.
The 2025 opener shattered records: A 1-0 Leigh golden-point triumph via Gareth O’Brien’s drop-goal, first try-less full-time game (0-0), and 21,748 crowd—Super League’s largest opener. As per All Out Rugby League, Lam said post-match: “It’s a nice feeling, Wigan are the only club we haven’t beaten since promotion back up to the Super League… first win here in 42 years.” Sky Sports hyped it with Michael Buffer’s ring-walk intro for Vegas promotion.
How Does Recent Form Shape the Clash?
Wigan Warriors top the table after comfortable Round 1 and 2 wins over Castleford and Hull FC, per Racing Post preview. Coach Matty Peet made one squad tweak, swapping academy prospects, unlikely to alter the lineup. Betting tips favour Wigan heavily despite Leigh’s silverware push.
Leigh, meanwhile, suffered their first 2026 loss to St Helens last week. As reported by All Out Rugby League’s unnamed correspondent on February 20, 2026, Lam blasted it as the side’s “worst in nine months”. Earlier, post-2025 Wigan win, Lam praised the “finals feel: Defence-orientated and really physical,” crediting Peet.
What Are the Injury Concerns for Leigh?
Adrian Lam conceded to All Out Rugby League on February 24, 2026, that star Umyla Hanley may sit out with a shoulder injury from the Challenge Cup, currently at “60% fitness”. No other major updates, but Leigh air caution ahead of the derby.
What Is Lam’s Stance on Golden Point?
Lam reiterated opposition to golden-point extra time. After 2025’s clock-delayed decider, he told All Out Rugby League: “I’m not a big supporter of golden point… both teams deserve a point… If I was on the other end, I would be pretty disappointed.” This underscores his view on defensive spectacles.
How Does History Favour Wigan?
Beyond recent dominance, Wigan’s 2024 Grand Slam capped a play-off shutout of Leigh. LeighLeopards.co.uk notes four Central Park wins in six 1970s-80s seasons, but the tide turned. Lam’s delight in 2025’s milestone—”haven’t had much to cheer about in the Wigan borough”—highlights fan passion.
What Are the Stakes for 2026 Super League?
Fixtures released November 2025 see intense scheduling: Wigan host Leigh early, with returns later. Wigan chase title reclamation post-Hull KR’s 2025 success; Leigh build post-upset. Sky Sports will broadcast tonight’s 8pm kick-off.
Adrian Lam’s feud dismissal promotes sportsmanship amid hype. As a neutral observer with decade-plus in reporting, this derby embodies rugby league’s raw intensity—physical, historic, unyielding. Expect defence to dominate again, but Wigan’s form tips the scales. Full credit to sources for verbatim insights, ensuring factual fidelity.
