Leigh Leopards boss labels prop “one of the best signings of the season” and comments on breaking unwanted record

There have been plenty of players who joined new clubs ahead of the 2025 season and hit the ground running. From Jake Connor to Tristan Sailor, arguments can be made for who has been the best signing. For Leigh Leopards boss, Adrian Lam, he has chosen one of his key forwards as the best incoming of 2025.

Signing from Parramatta Eels part way through the season, Joe Ofahengaue joined the Leopards at the end of April, before making his Super League debut in the Round 10 clash against Catalans Dragons.

Since that match, the 29-year old has been one of the most dominant enforces in the league, and has an impressive habit of crossing the try line, touching down five times this season.

However, the former Tongan international picked up a nasty hamstring injury during the Leopards’ defeat to Hull FC, with Lam confirming he would be looking at four to five weeks on the sidelines.

Just two weeks later, though, the Leopards boss gave Ofahengaue a “40/60” chance of featuring this week, but given that he is not included in Leigh’s 21-man squad, no risk has been taken.

Lam praised the effect he has had on the team since joining the club, and commended the props that have stood up in his absence.

“Joffa’s been probably one of the best signings of the season in Super League, I believe. Just what he does in the game, he’s scoring tries, but also his leadership voice, he’s got a good calm head about him,” said Lam, speaking in his weekly press conference.

“He’s inspiring the boys in everything he does, and we have missed him the last couple of weeks, but I think, in the same breath, the players, Aaron Pene and Alec Tuitavake certainly had a lot more time, and in that time they’ve found some really good form, so it’s going to be difficult.”

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During their three stints in Super League, Leigh have never managed to overcome Warrington away from home. in seven matches dating back to 2005, the Leopards have never been successful against the Primrose and Blue.

They have come within two points of victory on two occasions, one of which was their most recent meeting in 2024. Whilst Lam is determined to overcome the unwanted record, he admitted he cannot allow the stat to overwhelm his side, and they need to be fully focused on defeating an out-of-form Wolves side.

Lam said: “I was made aware of it last week, and I was quite surprised by it, to be honest with you. I think we can’t allow that to play any part in our mindset, in our mentality. Warrington this week, the start’s going to be a lot more physical, they’re going to be connected as a group. It’s been fairly clear they are to respond to the performance from last week, and we’re going there knowing that it’s going to be as physical as ever.

“As I mentioned the intensity is going to be next level, but I think as a group here, it’s exactly what we need. If we can come through that in good shape and play well and be the team we have this second half of the season, I’m sure we’ll get the result that we deserve.”