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Newcastle Knights issue statement confirming future of Leigh Leopards target

Leigh Leopards

David Armstrong’s move from the Newcastle Knights has been one of the longest transfer sagas of the 2024 season. The Leigh Leopards have publicly courted Armstrong for several months, however, to date, they have been unable to get a deal over the line. 

Armstrong was first linked with Leigh in the early months of the season, with Leigh unable to confirm a deal for Armstrong at the time due to a lack of quota spots. Leigh looked set to complete a deal with Armstrong in April, with prop, Ben Nakubuwai looking set to leave the club to join Castleford Tigers to free up the required quota spot.

Nakubuwai eventually left the club, having joined Featherstone Rovers on loan for the remainder of the season. However, by this stage, Armstrong had broken into the Knights first team and impressed so much that the Knights were forced to reconsider their decision to let him leave the club, offering him a new deal.

Most recently, reports suggested that the Knights were exploring options to block Leigh’s move for Armstrong, after the player reportedly agreed a deal to stay in Newcastle, before u-turning and agreeing to join the Leopards on a multi-year contract.

Now, the Knights have issued a statement which provides the definitive answer the question of where Armstrong will play in 2025.

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Leigh Leopards target David Armstrong has future revealed

David Armstrong celebrates. He was linked with Leigh Leopards

Credit: Getty Images

A short statement from the Knights provided an update on Armstrong’s future at the club. They finally gave the news that all Leigh fans have been waiting for, as a short club statement confirmed that they would not stand in the way of Armstrong’s deal to join the Leopards.

It states that Armstrong will join Leigh at the end of the season. The statement reads:

“The Newcastle Knights have decided they will not stand in the way of David Armstrong accepting an offer to join the Leigh Leopards at the end of the 2024 season.

“Armstrong will play for the Knights for the remainder of the year, and we look forward to David continuing his strong form for the Club.”

Now all eyes are on the Leopards, who have yet to confirm the deal officially. Leopards fans will be waiting with bated breath for further announcements, such as his length of contract, to allow them to get excited for Armstrong’s time at the club.

What will David Armstrong bring to Leigh?

Leigh Leopards Derek Beaumont

Credit: Imago Images

23-year-old, Armstrong, is a hotly tipped prospect in the NRL and Leigh faced a fight to complete his signature. Now they can begin to dream of what he will achieve in Leopard print. Armstrong came through the academy at the Knights, having spent time in the Queensland country Rugby League competition with Goondiwindi in 2022.

He has had a dream start to life in the NRL since breaking into Newcastle’s first team earlier in the season. He got his opportunity following an injury crisis in their backs division and certainly made the most of the opportunity.

He has scored five tries in five appearances since making his debut against the Dolphins in round eight. This includes a debut try against the Dolphins and a hat trick in the Magic Round against the Titans, in a 24-28 win for the Knights.

He is known to have electric pace and be a strong runner, averaging 162 running metres per game in his appearances so far this season. He also has 28 tackle breaks and four line breaks.

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