Major twist in Leigh Leopards move for marquee signing David Armstrong

The Leigh Leopards are in the midst of a major rebuild, with a number of their biggest names set to leave the club at the end of the 2025 season. The Super League club looked set to pull off a major coup, with the signing of David Armstrong from the Newcastle Knights.

Reports in Australia suggested that, despite the offer of a contract from the Knights, Armstrong was set to turn down the deal, to take up an offer from the Leopards instead. Leigh had reportedly offered him a better financial package than the Knights, for three years. Whereas, the deal with the Knights would only run to the end of 2026.

With the likes of John Asiata, Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell confirmed to be leaving the club, and Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele and Oliver Holmes all also reportedly potentially leaving, Leigh need to bring in new signings to be competitive in 2025.

However, it now appears there has been another twist in their pursuit of Armstrong.

Leigh Leopards Quiz: Can you name these former Super League players?

Major twist in Leigh Leopards move for Armstrong

Now, according to the Daily Telegraph in Australia, Leigh have suffered a major blow in their chase for Armstrong. Reports had suggested that Leigh had won the battle to sign Armstrong, but now if appears that the Knights are exploring ways to keep the flyer at their club.

Armstrong looked to have agreed an extention with the Knights, before a sensational u-turn saw him reportedly agree a deal. Now, the Knights appear to be weighing up if they can hold Armstrong to his contract. The report states:

“David Armstrong’s move to Super League side Leigh is on hold as Newcastle weigh up whether to hold the young fullback to his contract.

“Armstrong, who has excelled in place of the injured Kalyn Ponga in recent weeks, verbally agreed to stay at the Knights for the next two seasons.

“However, he had his head turned by interest from Leigh and has asked for Newcastle to let him leave for England.

“The Knights are still considering their next step as Armstrong is forced to sweat on a release to move overseas.”

The move to block Armstrong’s move to Leigh would represent a major blow to the club, who face a major rebuild in the close season. Armstrong has been a long-term target for the club, with Leigh coming close to signing him earlier in the season. However, a lack of available quota spots meant the move could not go through.

In the intervening period, Armstrong broke into the Knights side and made a huge impression scoring five tries in his first five appearances, including a hat trick in the NRL Magic round.