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Leigh Leopards replace key star with third NRL signing

Leigh Leopards Adrrian Lam

Leigh Leopards have confirmed their third NRL signing in just four days with the club’s rebuild ahead of 2025 well underway.

The Leopards were one of the most-affected Super League teams in terms of departures with plenty of senior players departing, including four overseas quota players.

As such, Leigh were left with four vacant quota spots and they’ve set about the first week of their off-season by replacing three of those four departed stars.

Tom Amone (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kai O’Donnell (North Queensland Cowboys), John Asiata (Hull FC) and Ricky Leutele, whose next move is unknown, all left Leigh Leopards and the club now looks to have replaced those players positionally, barring Amone.

Leigh’s spring of signings started on Wednesday with the announcement of Isaac Liu, a likely John Asiata replacement, before they confirmed Ben Condon yesterday, a second-rower tasked to replicate Kai O’Donnell’s contributions.

Their third signing, announced today, looks to replicate Ricky Leutele with Leigh Leopards confirming the signing of Tesi Niu.

Leigh Leopards confirm third NRL signing

That is a move that has long been reported with Niu even confirming the move himself when speaking to Australian media earlier this week.

It has now been confirmed by Leigh Leopards who announced his arrival with a statement on their club website.

That read: “Leigh Leopards are delighted to welcome Tonga International Fanitesi Niu to the Leopards Den on a three-year contract.

“Niu, 23, is a hugely talented and versatile three-quarter or fullback with considerable NRL and international experience.”

Leigh’s Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “With the departure of Ricky Leutele, we have been looking at that strike and X-factor for several months now.

“Tesi has played for two quality teams in the NRL in the Broncos and the Dolphins. He’s a big, strong, athletic and powerful rugby player who will excite all our fans in 2025 and beyond.

“I’m looking forward to him putting on a Leopards shirt.”

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