Leigh Leopards forward Joe Ofahengaue has set out strong intentions for the club’s 2026 season whilst also fielding questions on his own future.
Ofahengaue, 30, signed with the Leopards in April of 2025, penning a deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
The former State of Origin man will turn 33 by the end of his Leigh contract and when asked about his future, Ofahengaue admitted that it could be a case of what his body can offer.
“I’m one of the ‘older’ guys now. I’m turning 31 this year so it’s whatever the body can offer,” he told Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast when asked about the prospect of an NRL return.
“I’m expecting myself to have a big year after this injury so I’m willing to go all out to try and win something this year.”
Silverware was a clear goal as he then added: “If it doesn’t happen then I’m going to do that again next year, I just don’t know how the body is going to cope because I’m starting to get these old man injuries with calf muscles and last year I had a hammy.
“I’ll just leave it up to time and see what happens. I’ve got a lot of unfinished business over here and I just want to win before I leave.”
‘Timing is right’ for Leigh Leopards
Whilst Leigh Leopards won the Challenge Cup in 2023, many of that group have now moved on and Ofahengaue feels like it’s the perfect time for the club to add to their trophy cabinet.
“Cup and Grand Final, that’s the perfect season,” he responded bluntly when asked what the goals for 2026 were.
Explaining why, he said: “I just feel like the timing is right for myself and this team. Lammy has brought this group of boys together the last couple of years and I feel like we’re at the peak of our career.”
Ofahengaue also pointed to some of the club’s elder statesman who are off-contract as a motivation for winning, stating: “Gareth O’Brien, Jack Hughes, Isaac Liu, Josh Charnley are 34. I want to send those guys out. I’m not even going to sugarcoat it, it would just feel good to deliver for those guys.
“That’s the kind of chip on my shoulder I’ve got to have this year, to send these guys out, who could potentially be on their last contract, the right way.”
The prop forward, who is around two weeks away from an injury return, also joked when asked about the future of head coach Adrian Lam.
“He’s signed me for three years so I hope he is,” Ofahengaue responded when asked if he thinks Lam will be at the club in 2027.
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