Friday night’s Super League playoff semi-final between Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors is expected to go ahead as planned, despite being overshadowed by a ticket allocation controversy. The Guardian understands the game is on, after Leigh owner Derek Beaumont allegedly threatened to pull his side from the local derby over the number of tickets provided to the club.
Wigan claimed on Wednesday that Beaumont threatened to withdraw Leigh from the match, a remark based around ticket allocations. Beaumont published a 4,465-word statement that included suggestions of fan protests over their 4,800 tickets, far higher than the usual away allocation of 10% for a playoff tie.
Wigan are in pursuit of a third successive Super League title, while Leigh are in the semi-finals for the second time. Leigh are buoyed by their remarkable 1-0 win at Wigan in February, their first at their local rivals since 1982. Leigh coach Adrian Lam said: “To be 80 minutes away from Old Trafford two years running as Leigh Leopards is an incredible story.”
Wigan coach Matt Peet added: “What Leigh have done – they have transformed this into a special fixture. They’ve been a consistent competitive team but they’ve also consistently got better and better.” Wigan have won five straight matches, conceding only 22 points, and finished second behind Hull KR.
Saturday features another compelling semi-final between Hull KR and St Helens, after Saints’ dramatic late victory over Leeds last weekend. Many expect Rovers to progress to a second straight Grand Final if they deliver their best form, but St Helens may ride an emotional high.
