This weekend Leigh Leopards’ pursuit of silverware in 2023 meets a tipping point against St Helens at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones on Saturday before rivals Wigan Warriors take on Hull KR at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium in a huge weekend of semi-final action that will determine which two Super League sides run out at Wembley.
A big week for Leigh Leopards but they have now found themselves wrapped up in a real saga over the future of star player and captain John Asiata, the man who could be lifting the Challenge Cup in a month’s time at Wembley should things go according to plan for the ambitious club.
There was a report last night down under that Asiata is headed back to the NRL in 2024 with multiple clubs interested in his signature.
The loose-forward has been an exceptional signing since joining the club last year and has gone on to skipper the side.
He could even lead them to silverware they way things are currently going at the club which is truly amazing given he was playing in the Championship a year ago with the then Leigh Centurions.
According to the notorious Mole down under Asiata has attracted offers from three NRL clubs in recent weeks.
“There is one club in Queensland and two in New South Wales that are interested in John,” his manager Pierre Tannous told Wide World of Sports.
“His form in England has been very good but he feels it is time to come home.”
However, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has firmly shut down these suggestions on social media saying:
“John is contracted and I wouldn’t accept a million quid for him. Anyone reading anything around players leaving I can guarantee you it will be nonsense as nobody is for sale!”
He also revealed that talks are on going between themselves and Asiata about extending:
“John going nowhere loves it at our club not for sale not for any price! Talking with John to extend certainly not leave!”
However, the Mole has hit back at Beaumont’s comments with the Leigh owner branding British reports of this news as “clickbait.”
He even teased Beaumont that Asiata will definitely be playing in Australia in a year’s time:
“Just remember that tweet when Asiata is playing back in the NRL next year – he’s talking to 3 clubs now!”
