Leigh Leopards have announced the signing of Parramatta Eels prop Joe Ofahengaue with immediate effect. The forward has penned a three-and-a-half year deal with the Leopards and that ensures he will be with the club until the end of the 2028 season at least.
The 29-year-old has been granted an early release from his contract with the Eels and joins the Leopards after making 41 outings for Parramatta, including six this season. He’s a Tonga international but has made three appearances for Queensland over his career having made the move from New Zealand to Australia as a child.
Ofahengaue counts Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers as former clubs and he arrives at Leigh with over 200 first grade appearances in the NRL under his belt.
Leigh Leopards bring in Parramatta Eels’ Joe Ofahengaue
“Joe is a huge signing for the club for the rest of the current season and three years beyond,” Leigh Leopards’ director of rugby Chris Chester said of his latest recruit.
“He’s an unbelievable player with a wealth of experience who has played for his country, in State of Origin and as a first grade regular for over 10 years. Joe will add size and power to our middle unit.
“Despite all that to his name he’s still at a relatively young age and we feel his best rugby years are still ahead of him. I’m delighted to get his signature over the line.
“Adrian and I spoke to him, and he’s thrilled to be joining the Leopards.”
Head coach Adrian Lam added: “Joe is a player that I have watched and admired for a very long time.
“Joe has always been a great leader within the group and now with over 200 NRL games he will bring another level of experience with him to our squad Joe is a big body, who is explosive in both attack and defence, and is a player who will fit into our team perfectly.
“He is the exact player that we need to boost our forward pack size and a lead from the front.
Lam added: “I have spoken to Joe and he and his wife and family are very excited for the next part of this journey. He has followed Leigh Leopards closely and knows the trajectory we are on as a club and he wants to be a part of that moving forward.
“He feels his best rugby is still in front of him and he hopes he can win the Leigh fans over with his tough, rugged, direct and aggressive style of rugby and is looking forward to playing in front of our fans.”
