“Hands off” – Derek Beaumont takes another swipe at Hull FC, addresses ‘upset’ John Asiata

When Hull FC announced the signature of John Asiata, it took the rugby league world by surprise. The Leigh Leopards forward will join the Black and Whites at the end of 2024, on a three-year, marquee contract.

The announcement sparked a furious reaction from Leigh owner, Derek Beaumont. Beaumont took issue with the way the transfer was announced and questioned the ‘standards and conduct’ of Hull FC as a club.

He stated that he believed Asiata had been ‘thrown under the bus’ by the statement, claiming the timing of which had not been pre-agreed with anyone at Leigh. He also disliked the use of an image showing Asiata holding the Challenge Cup aloft with the Leopards.

Now, Beaumont has revealed Asiata was left ‘upset’ by the way that the news was broken by Hull, with the Leigh captain releasing a statement on Wednesday apologising to the club’s fans.

‘Upset’ Asiata’s statement to Leigh Leopards fans

Speaking in a Fan Q&A with Leopards TV ahead of Leigh’s crucial game with Salford Red Devils this weekend, Beaumont offered an insight into how Asiata reacted to the news.

“He was a bit upset with not having, you know, had the announcement on his own terms,” said Beaumont.

“We’ll make sure when we do that we do it in conjunction with whichever club it is at the end of the season.”

In his statement, Asiata confirmed that he had ‘agreed the comments could be used’, but that he ‘wasn’t aware’ that an agreement for the release of the announcement had not been agreed between Leigh and Hull.

It appears from the reaction online that Leigh fans have been accepting of the statement from Asiata, who apologised to ‘the club, its sponsors and supporters’ for the release of his comments and the announcement.

Beaumont issues hands-off warning

However, Beaumont did show his claws, issuing a hands-off warning to rivals. Since the club’s rebrand, Leeto the Leopard has become one of the most recognisable faces at the Leigh Sports Village. Beaumont joked that Hull FC should not try to poach their mascot.

“Well, I would be worried because I paid £12,000-13,000 for Leeto and it’s a big part of the club, there’s loads of our junior fans love seeing Lito and the other dancers. So that’s just no.

“You can’t take John and then go for Leeto as well, that would be one too far. I’d be getting upset about that one. So Leeto is firmly staying here.”

Leigh fans will be purring now that Beaumont has confirmed Leeto will be staying put in 2025.