Leigh Centurions confirm NRL signing

Leigh Centurions have assembled a star studded squad in the Championship as they look to secure promotion back into Super League after relegation in 2021.

After signing players like Caleb Aekins and Krisnan Inu, today the Centurions have added another high profile signing to their ranks.

Another overseas signing from down under, the Centurions have confirmed the arrival of former Canberra Raiders forward Kai O’Donnell who is set to join up with Adrian Lam’s squad in the coming days.

✍️ We are delighted to confirm that NRL forward Kai O’Donnell has become our latest signing and will join up with Adrian Lam’s squad in the next few days.

Welcome, Kai! 👋#Leythers 🔴

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) April 8, 2022

The 23-year-old has joined the club having been a part of both Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks’ NRL squads in recent years. He debuted in the NRL in 2020 against Melbourne Storm scoring his first try later that season oddly against his future club the Sharks late that campaign.

A British passport holder with links to the country through his mother, his arrival is imminent after a recent stint in the Queensland Cup playing for Burleigh Bears coached by Rick Stone father of Leigh forward Sam Stone.

On signing for Leigh, O’Donnell told the club website: “I can’t wait to get over to the UK and join up with the team. I’ve already touched base with Caleb Aekins and John Asiata and I’m looking forward to seeing them and meeting my new teammates and the staff.

“I’m grateful to the Leigh Centurions club for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting as many games as possible and helping the club achieve its goals.”

Mastermind behind the signing former Wakefield boss Chris Chester added: “Kai has been on our radar since November and we are delighted to get his signature. I’d like to thank his agent, Liam Ayoub, for his assistance in this regard.

“Kai is a versatile forward with good all-round skills. He has good leg speed and is a tough defender. He’s heard a lot of good things about our club, and he wants to come over here and prove himself. He’s got a great opportunity to do that.

“I’ve spoken to several players in Australia who have played with Kai, including Josh Hodgson and Sammy Williams who I both used to coach, and they’ve given him strong references.

“We’ve got him at a good age and Adrian and me both felt he was a good fit for our squad, which needed thickening up.

“Once again, I’d like to thank Derek for his great support of the club as we look to achieve our ambition of getting back into Super League.”