MAIREAD Quinn is optimistic Leigh Leopards can make an impact in the women’s Super League next season.

And she’s hopeful the nucleus of a squad that recently gained promotion-via the play-offs-from the Northern Championship will be again alongside her.

Quinn, a special needs teacher by profession, led the team to the top flight with a 34-16 victory over Featherstone Rovers having suffered play-off final agony against Barrow in 2023.

Awaiting newcomers Leigh in the eight-team competition will be the likes of champions York Valkyrie and Challenge Cup winners, St Helens.

“It might be different if you were on the phone to Kieron (head coach Kieron Purtill),” she laughed.

“But as far as I am aware the team is pretty solid. None of the girls have mentioned to me they are interested in moving anywhere else.

“So, I don’t think we will change too much. Because of what Leigh as a club bring, we have potential to attract other players.

“So, I think we can cement what we have created this season and try to take that into Super League. We are more than capable of holding our own.”

Quinn, along with team mate Storm Cobain, recently back from international duty with Ireland, couldn’t be prouder of Leigh’s achievements and her previous roots at Leigh Miners Rangers.

“I love to tell people I am a Leigh Town girl,” she confirmed. “I am a big believer in being loyal.

“People say why have I stayed at Leigh But I knew we would get it right in the end.

“That is why it is more rewarding what we have achieved this season. I knew I could have taken the easy option to play in Super League but I wanted to do it for Leigh.”

*Teenager Ryan Brown and forward Brad Martin have become the fourth and fifth new signing confirmed for the men’s side since the end of the season.

Brown is a 19-year-old prop who has joined from Wigan after successful loan spells at Midland Hurricanes and Barrow Raiders. The England Academy international has agreed a two-year deal with the Leopards.

Prop/lock Martin, 23, moves from Castleford after 40 appearances for the Tigers since a Super League debut four years ago.

Last week, Leigh announced three new arrivals from the NRL: three-quarter/full back Tesi Niu, forward Ben Condon and Kiwi international Isaac Liu.

If Leigh fans needed confirmation of Kai O’Donnell’s value to the team since his arrival, it was rubber stamped at the annual awards’ night.

O’Donnell, who will be a North Queensland Cowboy next season, was chosen as players’ player of the year plus player of the year across the five member categories.

Coaches’ player of the year went to Robbie Mulhern, Lachlan Lam was players’ back of the year and Tom Amone forward of the year.

Other winners included: Head of Youth Kieron Purtill (outstanding achievement), women’s team manager, Stephen Quinn (club person of the year) and Matt Moylan (LISA player of the year).