Leigh Leopards add major name to the ranks for 2025

Leigh Leopards have confirmed that fullback Gareth O’Brien has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2025.

The 32-year-old joined Leigh from Castleford Tigers in 2023.

In his first season for the Leopards, he was a starter as they won the Challenge Cup and reached the Super League play-offs for the first time.

He also previously played for Salford Red Devils and Toronto Wolfpack, after going through the academy ranks at hometown club Warrington Wolves.

He hasn’t played the last five games due to injury, but is nearing a return to the playing field.

On the signing, he said: “I’m really happy to be staying another year and now that it’s all sorted, I’m really focused on getting back fit and hopefully helping to contribute to winning some games.”

Leigh’s season got off to a bad start but they have improved of late, including with a 40-12 victory over O’Bien’s former club Salford at the weekend.

O’Brien ‘integral’ to how Leigh Leopards play

Speaking on O’Brien’s new deal, Leopards Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “It’s brilliant to have tied Gaz down for another year, he’s integral to how we play.

“It’s going to be huge for us to get him off the injury list and back into a playing spot.”

Also capable of playing in the halves, he should add some creativity as well as some impressive displays from the kicking tee.

He was previously off-contract at the end of the current season, and would have been free to join a new club.

It’s important for Leigh Leopards to begin tying more players down to deals beyond 2024, as major names, including centre-duo Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele, are off-contract at the end of 2024 and may be on their way out.

They would join captain John Asiata through the exit door, who has already been confirmed to be joining Richie Myler’s Hull FC side next year.