Joey Leilua is already making the headlines and he has only been in the UK for a matter of days.
The powerhouse Samoan centre signed a one-year deal at Featherstone Rovers in 2021 and has now arrived to help new head coach Brian McDermott steer the West Yorkshire club to Super League promotion in 2022.
And, at Featherstone’s media day, Leilua was present, revealing that he picked Rovers over Championship rivals Leigh Centurions because Featherstone were willing to buy him a house, according to the Examiner Live.
Now, though, Leigh owner Derek Beaumont has hit back at those claims, stating on Twitter: “Utter nonsense Matt we declined the year before came in late in the deal this year we were told he preferred part time rugby. Every overseas player will tell you we sort everything I have bought five houses in last 18 months for our players. Good luck to him and fev.”
Utter nonsense Matt we declined the year before came in late in the deal this year we were told he preferred part time rugby. Every overseas player will tell you we sort everything I have bought five houses in last 18 months for our players. Good luck to him and fev 👍 https://t.co/t9qYd0YHEe
— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) January 26, 2022
Leigh and Featherstone are set to be the two favourites for promotion after making big-name signings such as Leilua, Ryley Jacks and Jesse Sene-Lefao (Featherstone) as well as Caleb Aekins, John Asiata and Joe Wardle (Leigh).
With the Championship season starting this weekend too, it’s going to be an incredible journey.
