Leigh Leopards have confirmed that recent NRL signing Lazarus Vaalepu has made a short-term loan switch to Championship club Oldham.
Vaalepu has played just four times for the Leopards since his mid-season arrival but he’s now out of the door on a loan move to the Championship in what is a reported bid to help him gain match fitness.
That was reported by Love Rugby League and both Leigh and Oldham have now confirmed the move, with that stated to be a one-week loan.
Rather than feature on Friday night when the Leopards host York, Vaalepu will play for the Roughyeds in their clash against Sheffield Eagles as they look to rebound from their defeat to Doncaster.
That loss to Doncaster snapped a 17-game winning streak but Vaalepu’s size and power will offer plenty in the pack for Alan Kilshaw’s men with Vaalepu a two-time international for Samoa.
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Announcing his arrival, Oldham boss Alan Kilshaw said: “We’ve been a little light on middle forwards over the last few weeks, so the timing of the move is really good for us.
“He’ll add size, energy and competition to the squad at an important stage of the season.
“We’d like to thank Leigh Leopards for their support in making the deal happen, and we’re looking forward to working with Lazarus.”
Vaalepu, who made 11 appearances in the NRL including in the 2024 Grand Final, signed for the Leopards in late June with each of his four appearances so far coming off the bench.
He was omitted from Leigh’s squad for the game against York and the reasons why are now clear to see, with the 27-year-old headed out to the Championship.
🏉 𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗩𝗔𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗨 𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗛𝗔𝗠 𝗥.𝗟.𝗙.𝗖
Leigh Leopards can confirm that Lazarus Vaalepu will be joining Oldham R.L.F.C on a 1 week loan and will be available for their fixture this weekend. pic.twitter.com/exFxBc22iI
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) August 6, 2026
