LEIGH'S confirmation as a Betfred Super League Grade A club is only just the start.

That’s the promise after Leopards achieved one of nine top gradings from IMG; a score of 15.13 out of 20 to place seventh.

Owner Derek Beaumont continues to be a critic of the system but won’t let his opinions detract from pushing Leopards to new heights.

Next year will be the third season of the club’s rebrand from Centurions to Leopards.

Current indicators suggest it will establish a new record high for membership figures.

As part of its drive for greater numbers the club says: “All the signs are that last year’s incredible growth in membership is set to continue.

“In 2023, we sold 2,172 memberships and this number increased to over 5,600 in 2024.

“Leopards finished fourth (in 2024) having reached the play-off Super League semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history. It was only the third time in club history they’d reached a championship semi-final.

“Average home league attendances were the highest for 69 years. Membership sales were the highest in club history.

“Off the field, the club continued to set the highest standards for pre match entertainment at the Leopards Den.

“The hugely popular Fanzone for selected fixtures again proved a great success.

“We also held a very popular Inclusion Day, demonstrating our club truly is a ‘Famileigh.’ “With amazing pyrotechnics at every game, the brilliant Gemstone dancers and Leeto the game day experience put everyone in the party mood for the fabulous action on the pitch.

“The club received the recent accolade of being granted Grade A status reflecting the success of the Leopards rebrand and the huge part our supporters have played in the growth of the club.

“Our fantastic women’s team earned promotion to Super League after a record-breaking season, achieving ‘mission Impossible’ with three grand final wins inside three weeks.

“Our LDRL team goes from strength to strength as shown by their brilliant display on the Leopards Den pitch in round 27.

“Our Reserves team will be looking to build on a successful inaugural 2024 when they won half of their fixtures while 2025 sees the launch of our Academy which greatly strengthens the club’s infrastructure.

“All of which shows a club on the rise and 2025, the third year of the Leopards, promises to be even bigger! We’ve only just begun!

For the latest membership details visit https://leighleopards.co.uk/memberships/ *Leigh utility back Keanan Brand was part of Ireland’s squad that defeated Scotland 36-6 in Gateshead last weekend.

Former Leopards skipper John Asiata, now with Hull FC, was included in Samoa’s team beaten 34-18 by England at Wigan.

This Sunday, Lachlan Lam is named at half back for Papua New Guinea in their Pacific Bowl clash against Cook Islands in Port Moresby.

*Jeylan Hodgson, younger brother of Bailey Hodgson-yet to make his first team debut for the Leopards-has joined rugby league’s newest club, Goole Vikings.