Melbourne Storm Releases Aaron Pene to Join Leigh Leopards in Super League
In a surprising turn of events, the Melbourne Storm have released forward Aaron Pene, allowing him an immediate opportunity to join the Leigh Leopards in the Super League competition. Per reports from The League Scene Podcast, Pene will be added to the Leigh squad to provide depth to their pack, serving as a replacement for the impending departures of NRL-bound players Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell for the 2025 season.
Melbourne Storm’s Director of Football, Frank Ponissi, confirmed the club’s reluctance to release Pene at this stage of the season, but acknowledged the significance of this opportunity for the player.
“While reluctant to release Aaron at this stage of the season, this was too good an opportunity for him to pass up. We know Aaron will add great value to his new club and wish him all the best for the future.”
The Leigh Leopards, currently sitting ninth in the Super League standings, have struggled with injuries throughout the 2024 campaign, leading to their pursuit of Pene’s services. However, the Leopards face a unique challenge – they currently do not have an available quota spot to accommodate the incoming player.
According to reports from The League Scene Podcast, the Leopards will address this issue by releasing Fijian forward Ben Nakubuwai, who has been out of the team’s Super League lineup since Round Seven and is nearing the end of his contract. This move will free up a quota spot for Pene to join the Leigh squad on an 18-month deal, ensuring his presence for the 2025 season when Amone and O’Donnell depart for the NRL.
The addition of Pene is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Leigh Leopards’ pack as they look to climb the Super League table and secure a strong finish to the 2024 season.
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