Leigh Leopards Poised to Secure Signing of Australian Prop Aaron Pene
As the Leigh Leopards prepare for the upcoming Super League season, they are set to bolster their squad with the signing of Australian prop Aaron Pene. The move comes following the confirmed departure of Ben Nakubuwai to Featherstone Rovers, freeing up a quota spot for the Leopards.
Love Rugby League first reported earlier this year that Pene had been shopped to clubs in England regarding a potential move for the 2024 campaign. After being granted a release from NRL outfit Melbourne Storm earlier this month, the 28-year-old’s switch to Super League now appears to have materialized.
Born in Sydney on September 26, 1995, Pene is a powerful prop with both German and Samoan heritage. He honed his skills playing junior rugby league for Berala Bears and Chester Hill Hornets before being picked up by NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs. The New South Wales native also gained experience at youth level for Parramatta Eels, and has extensive experience in both the New South Wales Cup and Queensland Cup competitions.
Pene has made 32 first-grade NRL appearances, featuring for both Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors. The forward made his NRL debut in Round 20 of the 2020 season against St George Illawarra Dragons, and was part of the Storm squad that was crowned NRL champions that year.
After a stint with the Warriors in 2022, Pene returned to Melbourne Storm for the 2023 campaign, making eight appearances as the club finished third, losing to eventual champions Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final.
Notably, Pene has scored three career tries, all of which have come in the Queensland Cup, with one each in 2019, 2021, and 2023. He has also accumulated 55 second-grade appearances in the New South Wales Cup and Queensland Cup competitions during his career.
The addition of Aaron Pene to the Leigh Leopards’ roster is sure to bolster their front-row options as they look to make an impact in the 2024 Super League season.
🔗 Source
