Leigh Leopards’ owner Derek Beaumont has set the record straight over the club’s reported pursuit of former player Tom Amone.
Amone left the Leopards at the end of the 2024 season to take up an opportunity with NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs, however, the former Leigh man is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club.
Instead, he has been playing reserve grade and that sparked reports of a possible Super League return with Leigh reportedly ‘leading the chase’.
Leopards head coach Adrian Lam spoke positively on Amone and confirmed the club would explore that given the player’s quality and Leigh’s well-documented cap and quota space, however, owner Derek Beaumont has now revealed that the club were never once in negotiations with their former player.
Beaumont took to social media to react to fans demanding to know why the club had not sought Amone out after reports he was set to sign with a rival Super League club. It’s since been confirmed that Amone has been released by Canterbury with the forward set for an immediate return to Super League.
Leigh Leopards ‘never in negotiations’ for Tom Amone as Derek Beaumont sets record straight
The suggestion that Amone would return to Super League and Leigh not be the destination caused Leopards fans to question why with one tagging Derek Beaumont and calling for him to “get your hand in your pocket”.
After a string of replies between fans, Beaumont would chime in and set the record straight, revealing the club “are not, nor have been, now will be” in negotiations with their former forward.
Posting on X, the Leigh Leopards owner said: “Omg stop your melt down we are not in negotiations with Tom nor have we been nor will we be!
“He is a top bloke and I wish him every success wherever he ends up. Sad if it’s not worked out in NRL for him and his family as it was important to him.
“I am sure using our club as a mule will have enabled his manager, (who) we won’t do business with, (to) get him a great deal and I am happy if that’s the case as he deserves all he can get. Look forward to seeing him back over here hope he sports the (leopard-print) jacket.
“Please have faith in those that have got us where we are so far, or should I say respect. Thanks.”
It is believed that Tom Amone’s agent remains Sam Ayoub (as was in previous deals and still listed on the agent’s website), who Leigh worked with to secure Lachlan Lam’s contract extension last year.
Omg stop your melt down we are not in negotiations with Tom nor have we been nor will we be! He is a top bloke and I wish him every success wherever he ends up. Sad if it’s not worked out in NRL for him and his family as it was important to him. I am sure using our club as a mule…
— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) April 13, 2025
