LEIGH will tackle their Super League entrance without their promotion-winning captain after Mairead Quinn stood down because she is expecting a child.
Prop Quinn was a key figure as the Leopards completed a perfect 2024 season, winning all 16 regular-season Championship fixtures plus three play-off ties.
She lifted the play-off trophy after Leigh beat Featherstone in a promotion and relegation tie at St Helens to earn a top-tier place for the first time.
Quinn has captained the club since the Leopards took it over at the beginning of 2023, after previously playing for them when they were Leigh Miners Rangers.
But expecting her first child, she will miss at least the start of this season and has relinquished the captaincy, which has been awarded to backrower Storm Cobain.
Quinn has vowed to return to action, however, and plans to stay involved with Leigh in a coaching capacity in the meantime.
“I’ve been many things in my life – daughter, sister, teacher, team-mate and captain,” said Quinn, who hails from Leigh but represents her Irish roots at international level, winning three caps last year.
“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 admitted that Quinn’s loss would be a notable blow for the Leopards but reiterated his support.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Purtill explained the decision to hand the captaincy to fellow Ireland forward Cobain, who only joined the club ahead of the 2024 season.
“You can’t question her commitment, effort or levels of performance and off the field she always puts her hand up to attend presentations and represent the club,” he said.
“So, it was an easy decision to make and was supported by the other coaches and the members of the team. She will be supported by her great friend Mairead.
“Storm is an on-field leader and a training leader, and I don’t want her to change her game.”
Ahead of their top-flight debut, Leigh have signed Huddersfield prop Alice Fisher, dual-code centre Hannah Roberts from St Helens, plus the Warrington trio of backrower Emily Baggaley, prop Abby Latchford and winger Abi Johnston.
After a Challenge Cup group-stage campaign in which they face Leeds and Sheffield, Leigh will start their Super League season on Sunday, May 18 at home to Barrow.
