Joey Leilua’s arrival date set as Championship season looms

Joey Leilua is still in Australia as Featherstone Rovers’ Championship season looms around the corner.

The powerhouse Samoan international signed a one-year deal with the West Yorkshire side ahead of the 2022 season as his boxing career entered its early stages – and it’s now been confirmed by Featherstone Rovers after being contacted by Serious About Rugby League that Leilua will arrive next week.

That will be music to Featherstone’s fans ears who are most eager to see the 30-year-old in action after countless years in the NRL.

Following his fight with Chris Heighington – which he won – Leilua professed his determination to silence the haters.

Leilua has 225 NRL games under his belt as well as appearances in two Grand Finals, but the Samoan international wants to continue boxing even after rediscovering his love for rugby league.

“It’s given me direction. I’m going to enjoy my time there and whatever happens after that happens,” he previously said.

“I’m just going to go there, play good footy and see what happens. But I always want to do boxing. Hopefully I’ll come back next year and do another set of boxing.”

Leilua was signed by Featherstone in a signing that shocked the rugby league world as he prepares to help new boss Brian McDermott push Rovers towards promotion.