Leigh Leopards man John Asiata has addressed an emotional open letter to the club’s fans ahead of his move to Hull FC. The forward has penned a three-year deal with the Black and Whites in a switch that brings an end to his spell with the Leopards.
Asiata first made the move from the NRL to Leigh ahead of the 2022 season and his influence was pivotal in helping the club win promotion from the Championship to Super League. Captaining the club, Asiata then helped Leigh to their 2023 Challenge Cup win, with the Leopards seeing off Hull KR at Wembley Stadium.
As such, it’s fair to say the 31-year-old, who represented both North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, has made his mark at the Leigh Sports Village. He’s considered a favourite on the Leopards’ terraces then and his exit is one that clearly does not come easily, with the loose-forward feeling the need to address a letter to the club and its supporters.
“We have all known since the day I put pen to paper to join FC that this day, as a Leopard, would come to an end,” he wrote in a message published on the club website. “This year wasn’t what I had hoped for due to being injured, but my time here has been a special part of my career. Given the opportunity to come here when I thought my time was done, I never knew what was to come, but I trusted God’s plan throughout it all.
“Helping the club make history and break records as a group, being able to captain the squad to a Challenge Cup win after 50 years, and also getting back into Super League and making it to the finals in our first year back has been an incredible journey.
“I’ve met some wonderful people and lifelong friends, both within the staff and the group, but also in the community. I would love to thank the fans for their support throughout my time here; you never let us down, both at home and away games.
“I want to thank Derek, Lammy, and Chezzy for the opportunity, and I hope that during my time here I have left a positive impact on the playing squad, as well as the fans and community.
“I can’t wait to see you all again in the new year.
“God bless.”
Of course, Asiata still has the chance to leave Leigh on a high, with the club competing to secure a top six spot in the final round of fixtures this week. Adrian Lam’s side sit sixth at present, but a win over St Helens would be enough to secure a spot in the play-offs and from there they would be just two wins away from an appearance at Old Trafford.
Asiata isn’t the only Leigh man joining Hull in the off-season, with Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes and Ed Chamberlain moving across the Pennines to the MKM Stadium.
