LEIGH'S heartbreak at missing out on a first Super League Grand Final cut short any long goodbyes for a sizeable part of the Leopards’ family.

Instead of a maiden Old Trafford appearance to cherish this weekend, the fond farewells began after the team’s 38-0 play-off semi-final defeat at champions Wigan Warriors last Saturday.

That means another extensive squad re-building job ahead of the 2025 campaign for head coach Adrian Lam and Director of Rugby, Chris Chester.

“There is going to be a lot of change,” said Lam confirming fans can also expect “a lot of new faces.”

Dolphins’ Tongan international centre Tesi Niu appears to be one such close season arrival having announced his future after helping North Devils to Queensland Cup success last weekend.

Niu could be joined by Gold Coast Titans front rower, Isaac Liu, and Manly Sea Eagles forward, Ben Condon, both linked recently to the club.

Owner Derek Beaumont had previously teased Leigh supporters about three captures from the NRL.

Leopards were linked with Brad Martin earlier in the year and the back row forward was one of nine players released by Castleford earlier in the week.

But there are plenty of places needing to be filled. Five of the Leopards’ starting 13 at the Brick Community Stadium are leaving.

A sixth, Matt Moylan, is said to be considering a surprise retirement. The 33-year-old has just completed the first of his two-year contract.

And because of injury, Kai O’Donnell’s last appearance prior to returning to the NRL was the final game of the regulation season against St Helens. Jack Hughes and Ben Nakubuwai are both off contract.

“They (the fans) are going to say goodbye to some players that we’ll never see again who have etched some memories in our minds that we will have forever,” said Lam in the wake of defeat to Wigan.

“But we are heading in the right direction, so we’ve got to be positive about this year.

“I think it is an incredible time for the town they’ve had a team to support and cheer about.

“With that, numbers have risen in our home ground attendances. That’s just a reflection of the team giving our fans something to live for every weekend.”

Despite missing out on a dream ticket to Old Trafford, Leigh will have at least three more opportunities to play at the Theatre of Dreams. The game’s showpiece will remain at the home of Manchester United at least until the end of 2027.