Last week, Leigh Leopards confirmed that one of their star signings ahead of the 2022 season will take on the captaincy as they head into their second season with the club in 2023.
That is John Asiata who has also taken on the number 13 shirt and was key to Leigh’s win over Leeds Rhinos over the weekend.
Playing mostly at loose-forward, though he did have a spell at second row, Asiata knits the team together at Leigh masterfully.
Speaking after the game, coach Adrian Lam said he was as good as any 13 in Super League and likened him to England star Victory Radley.
“He’s got a lot of experience, he brings us together as a team. He is our captain and that was a real special moment for him,” Lam said of Asiata.
“The way he plays is important in the way I want to play. We’re skilling up players for the way I want to play.
“I think he’s as good as any in Super League as the ball player, the Victory Radley.
“We’ve got Matty Davis, Jacob Gannon and Jacob Jones that we’re trying to get to that level.
“I think he’s a competitor, I love players that are a pit bull and that’s what I like about him.”
He was also impressed by Zak Hardaker:
“He’s the ultimate competitor, he is as good I have seen in terms of competing. Even in training, he wants to win. He is the exact player we want at this club. Where he plays may change, he may be centre, he may be fullback.
“I love having him in the squad. He’s been voted in the leadership group here and he was at a crossroads in his career and he can make Leigh his home for years to come.”
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