THERE is no quick fix to restoring Leigh Leopards’ injured stars to fitness but Adrian Lam reckons his squad has become better equipped at dealing with adversity.

Skipper John Asiata, Edwin Ipape, Tom Briscoe and Tom Amone are unlikely to complete first team returns until May.

Leopards travel to Salford on Saturday to face opponents who beat them twice in three Super League meetings during 2023.

However, after back-to-back wins over Hull FC and Featherstone Rovers, Lam can see no reason why a brake should be applied to recent momentum.

“The challenge is to go there and try to manufacture the win and two points for ourselves,” said the Leopards’ boss ahead of the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium (kick-off 5.pm) “It is crucial to play well and give ourselves a chance. Salford had a great win at St Helens and probably should have beaten Wigan.

“But while nothing is getting better in that area (injured players) what is getting better is the belief in the group to get on with the job without them. That will make us better in the long run.

“A couple of weeks ago I would have said our backs were on the canvas. We are slightly creeping off it onto our knees now.”

Lam cites the example of Jack Hughes who has played in the second row, front row, at loose forward and at centre so far this season.

“I have been impressed by him most out of everyone since the senior players have been injured,” confirmed Lam. “We are grateful he is available to do that otherwise we would have been in some strife.”

Keanan Brand has been added to the casualty list after damaging medial knee ligaments in victory over Featherstone in the Challenge Cup. However, former Red Devil, Gareth O’Brien, who sat out the game as a precaution, is due to return.

Leigh’s win over Rovers wasn’t without glitches but the holders won through and will kick-off next month’s quarter-finals when visiting familiar competition foes, Hull KR.

Leopards’ trip to face the team they beat by Lachlan Lam’s golden point to lift the trophy at Wembley last August takes place on Saturday, April 13 with a 5pm kick-off. It will be the sides’ sixth meeting in the competition in eight seasons.

Catalans Dragons host Huddersfield at 7pm with the remaining head-to-heads- Castleford v Wigan and St Helens v Warrington on April 14, kicking-off at 3pm and 4.30pm respectively.

The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of May 18/19 with a Wembley final on Saturday, June 8.

Leopards booked their last eight place with an unconvincing 26-14 win over their Championship visitors.

However, coach Lam said: “I am just pleased we got the job done. it didn’t matter if it was two or 30 points.”

*Winger Tom Nisbet enhanced his first team claims with a two-try performance as Leigh Reserves defeated Salford 18-8.

Stuart Littler’s side conceded two early unconverted tries but racked up 18 points without reply.

Callum Lowe and Jack Darbyshire also touched down with Lewis Fairhurst kicking a goal.

Next-up for Leigh is a home date against Wigan Warriors at Leigh Miners Rangers Academy on April 6 with a 2pm kick-off.

*Leopards’ women have exited the Betfred Challenge Cup despite one group fixture outstanding. Claire Collins scored Leigh’s only try and Charlotte Melvin converted in a 36-6 defeat to Super League Huddersfield Giants.

The loss and previous defeat to Leeds means victory in the final game against Hull KR won’t be enough to send Leigh through.