Leigh Leopards release overseas prop as recruitment opportunity opens up

Leigh Leopards have announced that prop Aaron Pene has left the club with immediate effect.

Pene joined the Leopards part way through the 2024 season, but made just 30 appearances under Adrian Lam.

Making his debut in a defeat to Leeds Rhinos, Pene would play 15 games to finish that season, before making 10 appearances last year and just five in 2026.

Fitness and a lack of form has kept him out of Lam’s plans this season, with the boss preferring the likes of young Ryan Brown and Louis Brogan to the former Melbourne Storm man.

He now exits the club a couple of months earlier than expected, with his contract already up at the end of the season.

Super League’s IMG nightmare, Hull FC hit new lows, and League Leaders Shield debate – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

Leigh Leopards man departs as transfer opportunity arises

With Pene now out the door, Leigh have a space on their overseas quota that could potentially be filled before the end of the season.

The Leopards have used nine out of their 10 spots, with recent addition Lazarus Vaalepu taking up one of those spots last month.

Whether they stay as they are for the rest of the season remains to be seen, but we know that Leigh like to sign players in mid-season, with Vaalepu, Pene and Joe Ofahengaue evidence of that.

📄 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 – 𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘

Leigh Leopards can confirm Aaron Pene has been released from his contract with the club.

Leigh Leopards would like to thank Aaron for his time with the club and wish him well for the future. pic.twitter.com/NzVlLZgSZu

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) August 3, 2026