BEN McNamara surprised father Steve in more ways than one after helping Leigh Leopards snatch a 26-24 victory over Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend opener.
The Leopards halfback was making only his second appearance of the season, having played in their Betfred Challenge Cup tie against Batley Bulldogs in March and featured as 18th man on four other occasions.
Not only did he manage to keep it secret from his dad and boss of their opponents in Newcastle, but he also popped up with a try and kicked five goals as Leigh squeaked home in Saturday’s first match
- Hull KR out to dine on Lam
- Cartwright’s call for multiple Magic Weekend rounds
- Subscribe to rugbyleaguehub.com on YouTube
Victory for @LeighLeopardsRL in the first game of #MagicWKND 🐆 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/LR9nAeukor
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 3, 2025
“There were a lot of secrets this week,” McNamara told BBC Five Live Sports Extra. “I think my mum was like the intermediary between both of us trying to tell lies.
“It was a pretty fun build-up, but it’s quite an emotional one, really.
“I’ve followed my dad’s coaching since he started at Bradford and I got a bit emotional on the bus on my own, but it’s awesome to be out there.
“It’s a proud moment. I’m glad to get that one over dad and he beat me three times when I was at [Hull] FC, but I’ve got him back twice now I’m at Leigh.”
Leigh and Catalans could well face off again at Wembley in the Challenge Cup final on June 7, proving they can come through their respective semi-finals against Warrington Wolves and Hull KR next weekend.
McNamara will hope to have done enough to be involved against the Wolves at Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday May 11, not to mention facing off against Steve and his team again if both reach the showpiece final.
The 24-year-old was making only his 11th appearance for Leigh since joining from Hull FC ahead of the 2024 season, but is feeling in a good place which he believes was reflected in his performance against the Dragons.
“I just try to come into these games with a clear head now,” McNamara said.
“It’s my second year at Leigh and I feel like something has clicked a bit. I feel like I’ve really settled in now I’m living over in Leigh.
“I’m really enjoying it and it’s a good feeling to be able to settle in and ice a game like that.”
LEIGH LEOPARDS 26 (E Ipape, B McNamara, E O’Neill, O Trout tries, B McNamara 5 goals) beat CATALANS DRAGONS 24 (M Laguerre, G Aispuro-Bichet, R Smith, L Keary, G Aispuro-Bichet 4 goals)
Referee: Liam Moore
