Derek Beaumont furious with reports that Leigh Leopards star is headed to NRL

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and others have all confirmed business for 2024 whilst the likes of Leigh Leopards, Hull FC, St Helens and Castleford Tigers stand at the heart of transfer rumours.

Many of these rumours revolve around the NRL with clubs linked with major signings from the NRL whilst NRL clubs sniff around the Super League for signings for themselves.

St Helens know all about this with a number of their stars chased by NRL clubs after their World Club Challenge heroics earlier this year leading to many a rumour about the likes of Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd and others.

They are looking ahead to the Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh Leopards and it is now the Leopards dealing with NRL interest showing how the NRL is a double edge sword with Leigh having success with NRL signings but now having to deal with NRL interest.

NRL clubs knocking on the door for Lachlan Lam at Leigh Leopards.

However he isn’t the only star at the Leigh Sports Village attracting interest from NRL clubs.

We have seen St George Illawarra Dragons come knocking for Edwin Ipape at hooker and now another star at Leigh is attracting interest from down under and that is skipper John Asiata.

The loose-forward has been an exceptional signing since joining the club last year and has gone on to skipper the side.

He could even lead them to silverware they way things are currently going at the club which is truly amazing given he was playing in the Championship a year ago with the then Leigh Centurions.

According to the notorious Mole down under Asiata has attracted offers from three NRL clubs in recent weeks.

“There is one club in Queensland and two in New South Wales that are interested in John,” his manager Pierre Tannous told Wide World of Sports.

“His form in England has been very good but he feels it is time to come home.”

However, Derek Beaumont has now responded to these rumours absolutely ruling out any departure for Asiata any time soon.

He said on social media:

“John is contracted and I wouldn’t accept a million quid for him. Anyone reading anything around players leaving I can gaurantee you it will be nonsense as nobody is for sale!”