Beaumont admits salary cap issues as Leigh set to miss out on two signings

Leigh Leopards were last year’s unexpected success story in Super League. Having won promotion in 2022, they took no time to settle back into life in the top flight. The Leopards lifted the Challenge Cup, defeating Hull KR in the final, and qualified for the playoffs.

However, this season has been more of a struggle for the Leopards who are currently sitting seventh in the table, having won just one game from their opening seven. They performed better in a narrow defeat against Warrington in their most recent game but many fans are now keen for the club to strengthen the squad.

However, outspoken owner, Derek Beaumont has ruled out any immediate business. Speaking to Leopards TV, Beaumont admitted the Leopards are facing salary cap issues.

Leigh Leopards spending up to the cap

Whilst Leigh are hunting for recruits for 2025, injuries to key players are disrupting their current squad. Beaumont has stated Leigh have now spent the salary cap space that did exist at the start of the season.

“The salary cap is restricting us somewhat now, the little bit of a buffer we had we used on Brad Dwyer. So, we are pretty much capped up,” Beaumont stated.

“Chris Chester is active in recruiting for next year and squad retention of those that are coming up that we want to retain before the 1 May deadline.”

Leigh face a difficult home game against Catalans Dragons at the weekend. It seems unlikely that any reinforcements will arrive before then.

Move for NRL target scuppered

Leigh were reportedly interested in a move for Newcastle Knights back, David Armstrong, a player whom Adrian Lam has spoken of in glowing terms and had lined up to replace the injured Gareth O’Brien. That injury has seen Matt Moylan covering at full-back.

However, injuries at the Knights seem to have blown the Leopards’ hopes of signing Armstrong off course. Lam believed Armstrong would be the perfect replacement to cover in O’Brien’s absence.

“[Chris Chester] is very busy, we have got an injury there to Gaz O’Brien at fullback which is a key area and it is a bit disruptive putting our six there. That is something we have been going on with.

“It was widely spoken about Tristan Sailor and David Armstrong which has been ongoing but with Kalyn Ponga suffering a long-term injury, that kind of scuppers that.”

Earlier this week, Sky Sports pundit, Jon Wilkin, wrote off Leigh’s chances of making the play-offs. The news that they may be unable to strengthen their squad in the near future represents a further blow to their hopes.