Exclusive: The former Salford Red Devils man behind one of Leigh Leopards’ key 2022 signings

There’s been a lot of focus on what Leigh will do in 2023.

With a new name, abandoning the Leigh Centurions title in favour of Leigh Leopards, a new look, a new badge and 10 huge signings in the shape of Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Ricky Leutele, Gareth O’Brien, Nathan Wilde, Matt Davis, Jack Hughes, Oliver Holmes, Rob Mulhern and Jacob Gannon, there’s of course lots of focus on what the team can achieve in 2023 with play-offs not out of the question.

However, what Leigh achieved in 2022 should not be forgotten and especially not the players who pulled off the greatest season in the Championship’s history as they won three trophies and lost just once in the league all season.

A major part of their journey though was bringing in players constantly throughout the season due to the fact that coach Adrian Lam began preparations for the new season with just seven players.

One of those mid-season signings who was there as other star names came through the door was Ben Nakubuwai.

He explained what made this transition over the course of the season easier when speaking with Serious About Rugby League.

“It was an easy transition to be fair,” Nakubuwai said, “We were all on the same page. Our coach Lamy created a good culture at the club and everyone really bought into it. We were like a family, there were no egos, and everyone wanted to be the best version of themselves.”

As one of those mid-season signings himself, he revealed that one of his former Salford teammates Krisnan Inu got the ball rolling in a move that took him away from Norths Devils where he had been working with now Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith.

He said: “I was playing at North Devils, playing good rugby and Leigh happened to be looking for a middle.

“So my ex-teammate Krisnan Inu sent me message me asking if I was interested then Chris Chester called me to join.”