Leigh Leopards have bolstered their playing squad by signing NRL powerhouse forward Lazarus Vaalepu from Melbourne Storm, with immediate effect.
It’s a statement signing to make midway through the season and with the Leopards pushing for the top six, it’s an addition to their pack that could well tip them over the edge.
Vaalepu, 27, will link up with Leigh immediately with the Samoan international set to stay beyond the end of 2026, though no contract length has been announced at the moment.
As well as a statement from Leigh Leopards, Melbourne Storm also confirmed Vaalepu’s exit with the 27-year-old leaving after 12 appearances for the NRL club, with one of those having been in the 2024 Grand Final.
That highlights his pedigree and if Vaalepu can have a similar impact to last year’s mid-season NRL signing, Joe Ofahengaue, then the Leopards will have surely signed a star.
Leigh Leopards sign Samoan international Lazarus Vaalepu
Prior to his NRL debut in 2024, Vaalepu had been playing in the Queensland Cup or at NRL reserve grade and that was enough to catch the eye of the international selectors.
Vaalepu was part of the Samoan travelling squad that toured England in 2024 with the forward playing in both Tests in that series, ensuring he is not unfamiliar to playing at the highest level.
Director of Rugby, Andrew Henderson, said of Vaalepu: “We’re really excited to bring Lazarus to Leigh. He’s a player with genuine presence, power, and punch, giving us a real point of difference within our middle unit. He’s humble, driven to succeed, and genuinely believes he can grow his game under Adrian Lam in Super League. We’re looking forward to helping him take the next step in his career.
“He’s of good character and has been developed through a strong Melbourne system for a number of years, which will be a real benefit to us. I believe he’ll thrive in our environment and become a player our supporters really connect with. He wants to be part of something ambitious – and that’s exactly what we’re creating here at Leigh.”
Vaalepu will link up with the Leoaprds once his visa requirements are all signed off on, joining for the remainder of 2026 and ‘beyond’, per the club’s statement.
✍️ 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗩𝗔𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗨 🐆 pic.twitter.com/Q7WnYWPxkH
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) June 30, 2026
