Leigh Leopards dealt major David Armstrong blow as long-term lay-off confirmed

Leigh Leopards will be without David Armstrong for the rest of the Super League season and the next nine months, it has been confirmed.

Armstrong left the field during last weekend’s defeat to Leeds Rhinos with heavy strapping on his knee. He played on through significant pain in the first half of that game and ultimately was withdrawn at half-time.

Armstrong needed medical attention on multiple occasions throughout that opening 40 minutes, and he was subsequently sent for scans this week to determine the severity of the injury.

Adrian Lam insisted in his pre-match press conference that they were bracing for the worst possible news on Armstrong, despite him being named in Leigh’s 21-man squad to face Wigan Warriors on Friday evening.

LRL EXCLUSIVE:  Castleford eye deal for Newcastle Knights forward as 2026 rebuild continues

And those fears have now been realised. It was confirmed on Friday night in the run-up to the Leopards’ local derby with the Warriors that the scans have now returned and produced a terrible prognosis.

Armstrong has been impressive whenever taking to the field for Leigh but has struggled with injuries throughout 2025, and he will now miss the rest of his debut season in Super League with the Leopards.

It now looks likely that Bailey Hodgson will get a long-term opportunity at fullback in Armstrong’s absence, with Gareth O’Brien another option for Lam to consider as they face up to the daunting task of replacing one of their star players.

Armstrong joined Leigh at the beginning of this season from NRL side Newcastle Knights.

“It’s massive for the club and for Davey,” Lam said on Friday. “He’s had a lot of niggly injuries leading up to this and as sad as it is we’ve got to move on from that quickly.”

FRIDAY’S READS ON LRL

👉🏻 Josh Papali’i St Helens switch takes dramatic twist with prop’s bold NRL claim

👉🏻 Kevin Sinfield reveals how he almost signed for Wigan Warriors

👉🏻 The clubs set for major IMG performance drops including relegation candidates

👉🏻 Every Super League fixture yet to be staged in 2025 amidst schedule chaos