Leigh Leopards face two key problems which could derail major transfer

Leigh Leopards have been linked with a sensational swoop for Brisbane Broncos star Tristan Sailor in recent days by a number of different sources.

This came as a surprise with the club having seemingly used their final quota spot on Matt Moylan as the stand-off joined the club to replace Featherstone Rovers bound Ben Reynolds.

However, Derek Beaumont did hint at a further signing as he said on Leopards TV that they were sorting out Visa problems. This is now believed to be in reference to Sailor.

But there is further confusion with it being understood that the Leopards have used up all their quota spots with the initial plan being that Ben Nakubuwai would again feature for the club despite there being no confirmation of an extended deal into 2024.

There have been reports in Australia that he will be released to allow Sailor to sign but the Leopards now face two major stumbling blocks for the deal. Sailor’s visa being one of them and Nakubuwai’s future being the other.

Speaking to Serious About Rugby League last year, Nakubuwai showed just how much faith he had in the club which was repaid with a Challenge Cup Final win and a play-off place: “I believe the opportunities are endless of what we can achieve in 2023.

“Like any team in this competition I believe we can win a Challenge Cup or even the title at the end.

“Yeah we will have our doubters, but I think if you are competitor why not aim for the big prize, that’s what you train for. You don’t train to be second best.”

He also had huge praise for Adrian Lam so it is unlikely that he has been forcing his way out of the club.

Nakubuwai said on Lam: “I enjoyed being coached by him. He shows faith in his players. He keeps it simple doesn’t over complicate and I like the culture he created at leigh. He doesn’t just want good players but good people too.”

Last year, Nakubuwai was linked with a move to Leeds Rhinos and linking up with his former coach at Norths Devils Rohan Smith. This never materialised with the prop saying of the move: “At this stage I’m still at Leigh. My management is in charge of all my contract negotiations so at this stage I’m not too sure if there is any truth to those rumours.”

Now though it looks like a different exit sits on the horizon for the prop as the club pursue Tristan Sailor.