After a huge number of departures, Leigh Leopards are looking to make an equally huge number of signings.
Ahead of the current season, Matt Moylan was the headline name signed as the Leopards looked to build on a successful 2023.
Another quota player, Ben Nakubuwai, was loaned to Featherstone until the end of the year when his Leigh contract ends – allowing Aaron Pene to join the club mid-season.
Currently, clubs can have a maximum of seven ‘non-Federation trained players’ in their squad – and these players are defined as those who didn’t play three seasons of rugby in Europe before they turned 21.
These rules are much more relaxed than previous rules, which were at one point to only allow three foreign players in most English sides.
We’ve taken a look at how Leigh Leopards’ quota situation stacks up for 2025 with Adrian Lam’s side being one of a handful with a spot still available.
Leigh Leopards quota situation amid major overhaul for 2025
Credit: Imago Images
The Leopards have seen three of the overseas stars in their pack depart with captain John Asiata making the switch to join Hull FC whilst both Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell have earned moves to the NRL.
A fourth quota player in Ricky Leutele left due to being out of contract before the shock news that Matt Moylan had retired from the sport, meaning that five of Leigh’s seven overseas players in 2024 will not represent them in 2025.
As such, those remaining at the club through 2025 are Edwin Ipape, while Aaron Pene could stay until the end of 2026.
The club had several key areas to target with their pack and half-back roles needing addressing. Given that Moylan’s retirement came so late on in the planning for 2025, the club have yet to address that but there is one NRL man that could fill the role.
Reports have claimed that Wests Tigers would be willing to spend $900,000 to get Jayden Sullivan off their books meaning that his $600k per year contract could be taken on at £150,000 per year, something that is viable for a Super League club. With limited options in the elite half-back department, Leigh could be forced to open negotiations with Sullivan who was previously linked with Salford and Hull FC.
However, someone confirmed to be joining the side for next year will be David Armstrong, a full-back signed on a three-year deal.
Also signed up to join the Leopards are forwards Isaac Liu and Ben Condon from NRL sides Gold Coast Titans and Manly Sea Eagles respectively who have penned two-year deals.
Meanwhile, Tesi Niu from The Dolphins has signed through 2027 and provides a much-needed spot in the centres or on the wing.
This leaves one free quota spot for them to play with, and Sullivan seems that he could potentially be the man to take up that spot.
Contract status of Leigh Leopards’ overseas players for 2025 (Date when contract expires)
Edwin Ipape (2025)
Aaron Pene (2026)
Isaac Liu (2026)
Ben Condon (2026)
David Armstrong (2027)
