Leigh coach explains Jack Hughes absence as Robbie Mulhern injury prognosis delivered

Jack Hughes missed Leigh’s win over York Knights through a tight quad, while Robbie Mulhern was withdrawn through a back spasm, Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has confirmed.

Veteran utility Hughes was a surprise absentee as the teamsheets landed at the Leopards’ Den ahead of Friday night’s clash, with the hosts making a number of changes.

A nip-and-tuck 80 minutes ensued, but Leigh got the job done, ending up 22-14 victors in their first-ever Super League home game against York.

It’s now 12 wins in 15 matches for Lam’s side, who are back in action as they travel to league leaders Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night.

Leigh coach explains Jack Hughes absence in York win as Robbie Mulhern injury prognosis delivered

Front-rower Mulhern was forced off with 11 minutes left on the clock during Friday night’s victory.

The Leopards will have to wait and see whether his back spasm subsides, but team-mate Hughes is expected to be back available at Headingley.

Post-match after beating York, head coach Lam explained: “We had (Josh) Charnley and Edwin Ipape coming back, and it was a late call made on Jack Hughes today not to risk it.

“He probably could have played, but we didn’t want to risk it. By doing that, we gave Jacob Alick-Wiencke a start.

“He (Hughes) will be okay for next week.

“We also had Davey Armstrong going to full-back and Gaz O’Brien going onto the bench.

“It was a back spasm (that forced Mulhern off). He just told me then it’s absolutely killing him, but he’s had them before and it’ll go away in the next 72 hours, hopefully.

“Overall, we played a bit flat against a team that was there to play, but we found a way to win.”

Josh Charnley’s hectic week

Charnley – who scored Leigh’s first try on Friday night – missed last weekend’s home defeat against former club Wigan Warriors through a twisted ankle.

Earlier this week, his return was still up in the air – and alongside nursing that injury, he has also welcomed son Arow into the world over the last few days.

Boss Lam explained: ” It’s been a tough week for Josh, he’s had the ankle with a bit of swelling he needed to manage and Zoe, his partner, had a beautiful baby boy on Wednesday.

“That’s nice, it could have been Friday, which would have made it a little more difficult for us and meant another change!

“Both mum and baby are healthy. Josh scored the first try, it was a cracker, another week in the bag.”