Derek Beaumont explains why Leigh Leopards won’t offload stars despite having too many overseas players

Ever since last week, so much talk has surrounded Leigh Leopards.

That’s partly because they changed their name from Leigh Centurions as they prepare for a return to Super League but also because they announced 12 new signings as they build a star-studded squad.

Those 12 signings were included in the 2023 playing roster revealed by the club, a squad more than capable of surviving an even capable of knocking on the door for the play-offs.

However, there was some confusion over the squad with eight overseas players named in the squad which is one more than the quota allowed to Super League clubs.

Many had expected Nene MacDonald to move to Leeds Rhinos and reunite with his former Norths Devils coach Rohan Smith whilst something similar was rumoured around Ben Nakubuwai.

However, the Rhinos signed Gold Coast Titans prop Sam Lisone using their last quota spot for 2023.

So, Headingley isn’t a potential destination for a Leigh player, and according to Leigh owner Derek Beaumont no Leigh player will be leaving the club any time soon, at least not on a permanent basis.

This is because the Leigh owner has taken to Twitter to explain why the Leopards won’t need to let go of another player to fit the rules which he expects to change.

This is partly because, Leigh could loan one of those players out and be under the quota.

He said: “No one has to leave. We will be compliant with operational rules which we expect to be reviewed around the restriction especially concerning British citizens who are non-fed trained.

“A loaned player isn’t on your quota and can be changed every 2 weeks. We will have a partner club.”

No one has to leave. We will be compliant with operational rules which we expect to be reviewed around the restriction especially concerning British citizens who are non fed trained. A loaned player isnt on your quota and can be changed every 2 week. We will have a partner club

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) October 24, 2022

Leigh have already been able to get Lachlan Lam off the quota despite the fact he’s a Papua New Guinean international who grew up in Australia but due to some time in Wigan when his dad was a Wigan Warriors player, he has qualified as a non-quota player.