Rugby League Transfer News: Hull FC Secure Leigh Leopards Captain John Asiata on Three-Year Deal
[May 10, 2023 – Rugby League Live]
In a significant move ahead of the 2025 season, Hull FC have confirmed the signing of Leigh Leopards’ captain John Asiata on a three-year contract. The high-profile transfer, which will see Asiata earn a reported £220,000 per year, has sparked a strong reaction from Leigh owner Derek Beaumont, who has labeled Hull FC as “desperate” and criticized their conduct.
Rumors of Asiata’s potential switch to Hull FC had been circulating prior to the club’s official announcement. Rugby League Live’s Matt Shaw reported the lucrative details of the three-year deal, highlighting the substantial financial commitment from the FC management.
Addressing the transfer, Beaumont dismissed the notion of the May 1st deadline as a “myth,” revealing that Leigh had already secured their own off-season signings, including from their upcoming opponents Castleford Tigers. However, he reserved particular criticism for Hull FC’s handling of the Asiata move, accusing them of “throwing [Asiata] under the bus” by prematurely sharing details and images.
“Desperate people do desperate things,” Beaumont stated, further lambasting Hull FC’s “conduct” and “standards” in their approach to the high-profile transfer. The Leigh owner’s comments underscore the competitive nature of the rugby league off-season, as clubs jockey for top talent in the lead-up to the 2025 campaign.
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