Leigh Leopards Facing Major Roster Overhaul
The Leigh Leopards, who shocked the Super League last season by finishing in the top four and winning the Challenge Cup in their first year back after promotion, are now facing a significant roster overhaul. Several of their star players have agreed to leave the Leigh Sports Village, posing a major challenge for the club as they look to build on their impressive debut season in the top flight.
John Asiata, a key figure in the Leopards’ success, has confirmed a marquee move to Hull FC for the 2024 season. He will be joined by Oliver Holmes, who is also set to switch across the Pennines. Additionally, reports suggest that Zak Hardaker is poised to make the same move, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Tom Amone would depart Leigh at the end of the season, signing a deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL for 2025. Now, it appears that one of Amone’s teammates, Kai O’Donnell, will also be making the switch to the NRL, joining the North Queensland Cowboys from the start of the 2025 season.
“O’Donnell, who joined the Leopards in 2022 while they were in the Championship, has been a crucial part of the team’s success in earning promotion and their impressive debut campaign in the Super League. His departure is another significant blow for the Leigh Leopards, who now face the prospect of a major rebuild for the 2025 season.”
Despite these challenges, the Leopards have been boosted by the news that head coach Adrian Lam has signed a new contract and will oversee the club’s rebuild. Key players Josh Charnley and Umyla Hanley have also recently extended their stays with the club, and owner Derek Beaumont has reaffirmed his commitment to spending the salary cap, including all marquee spots, suggesting the Leopards will be active in the transfer market in the coming weeks.
The Leopards have recently found form, comprehensively beating play-off contenders Salford Red Devils in their last outing. They now face a crucial clash against the Huddersfield Giants this weekend, as they look to remain in contention for a top-six finish by the end of the season.
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