Rugby League News: Leigh Remains Focused on David Armstrong, Nakubuwai to Stay Put
In a recent update, Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has revealed that the club’s interest in Newcastle Knights full-back David Armstrong has not waned, although a move from Down Under is not on the cards at the moment. Similarly, Lam has stated that forward Ben Nakubuwai will not be making a transfer to Castleford Tigers, at least not yet, as the Leopards’ squad is still thin on the ground.
Lam and Leigh’s interest in Armstrong has been well documented since the pre-season, with the Australian yet to make his NRL debut. In February, Armstrong, who turned 23 earlier this month, scored two tries in a pre-season ‘trial’ game against Cronulla Sharks at the senior level for the Knights, but has since returned to playing in the New South Wales Cup, scoring five tries in four appearances at the second-grade level.
“With Gareth O’Brien set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a calf strain, Leigh’s need for a full-back has never been greater this season.”
While Matt Moylan, who has previously played full-back for world champions Australia, slotted into the #1 role on Saturday as the Leopards relinquished their hold on the Challenge Cup with a defeat at Hull KR, Lam confirmed that their pursuit of Armstrong had slowed somewhat.
Regarding Nakubuwai, the Fiji international has featured in all eight of the Leopards’ games this year, with all of his appearances coming from the interchange bench. Lam explained that, at least in the short term, the club will need to hold onto Nakubuwai, as the team’s numbers have been stretched thin. The Leopards boss acknowledged that Nakubuwai probably needs more minutes, and the club will make a decision on his future in the next couple of weeks.
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