Leeming: High standards

  • Kruise Leeming has shared his excitement ahead of former teammate’s Ash Handley’s Testimonial.
  • Leeming: “I can’t wait to play in Ash’s Testimonial and I’m sure fans from both Clubs will be eager to get down to support.”
  • Tickets for the friendly at AMT Headingley Stadium can be purchased online HERE.

Kruise Leeming has shared his excitement ahead of Sunday’s pre-season visit to Leeds Rhinos for Ash Handley’s Testimoinial.

The Warriors hooker played his first pre-season minutes at Boundary Park last Sunday as Wigan scored six tries to defeat an experienced Oldham side.

Praising the performance, Leeming said: “Everyone who played put their best foot forward. It was pleasing to see the young talent we have competing against an experienced Oldham side. We’d have been forgiven if we weren’t at the races in some aspects but we were brilliant.”

Reflecting on the preparation for Leeds, Leeming said: “It’s been another tough pre-season week where we’ve worked to high standards. Even though there isn’t the pressure of getting two points on Sunday, there’s pressure on us to perform. We’re in a top level sport where there’s competition for places – pre-season is the perfect time for players to push their way in.”

The Warriors have named an extended 26-player squad to face the Rhinos, which includes international and overseas players aiming to gain their first pre-season minutes.

On the squad, Leeming said: “It’s been a real positive having a full group back since the New Year as before then numbers were disjointed. Our group has stayed the same from the back of last season, and we’ve brought in George Hirst who has hit the ground running. We have a great team and a great culture so it will be great to get back out there as a whole squad.”

Leeming returns to AMT Headingley Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face his former side and share the pitch with Handley, who lifted the 2020 Challenge Cup alongside Leeming.

Looking ahead to the encounter, Leeming said: “It’s going to be a tough test as Leeds will have added motivation to win for Ash who is a great bloke and asset to the game. I can’t wait to play in Ash’s Testimonial and I’m sure fans from both Clubs will be eager to get down to support.”

Tickets for Sundayโ€™s pre-season friendly against Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium remain available to purchase onlineย HERE.

Friday 24 January 2025