Australian publication reports that NRL star’s move to Leigh Leopards is “unlikely”

It was reported this week that the Leigh Leopards could make one more major signing ahead of the 2023 Super League season.

The Leopards yesterday unveiled a 26-man strong squad for the 2023 season as well as the signing of young winger Umyla Hanley from Wigan Warriors as he takes on the number 26 shirt.

He provides depth to the wing positions behind former Leeds Rhinos and former Wigan Warriors wingers Tom Briscoe and Josh Charnley after the departure of Blake Ferguson on compassionate grounds.

This departure opened up a quota spot for the Leopards as well as cap space and with owner Derek Beaumont saying in the past that “the plan” was to make further signings including a “middle.”

Following this, Rugby League Live reported that the Leopards were interested in former Catalans Dragons target Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after he starred for New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup.

However, it is now being reported by Zero Tackle that the deal is “unlikely” because Catalans signed Siosuaia Taukeiaho for the 2023 season which has left the Roosters unlikely to let go of another forward even though he is in the final year of his current deal.

Waerea-Hargreaves is said to be on $700,000 a year however which would give them plenty of cap space to use for 2023.

He is also in the final year of his deal, so the could likely be swayed by these factors.