Yesterday was one of the biggest days in Leigh’s history.
The Centurions are no longer as they rebranded as the Leopards releasing a new badge, a new kit before unveiling their flurry of new signings for next season including the likes of Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele and Tom Briscoe.
They confirmed their entire squad for 2023 as they hope to do more than just survive which itself is something Leigh have never done in Super League after relegation in 2005, 2017 and 2021.
Their squad is certainly capable of doing so with quality in every position especially in the pack including impact sub Ben Nakubuwai. The former Salford and Norths Devils man joined mid-season on a deal which ran until the end of the year which of course, in terms of quota spots with Leigh well over the seven after securing promotion with a Grand Final win over Batley, left questions over his future.
This culminated in rumours that he was going to Leeds Rhinos to reunite with former Norths Devils coach Rohan Smith telling Serious About Rugby League that he was “not sure” if there were any truth in the rumours.
However, he was included in Leigh’s squad for 2023 at their unveiling last night with the club stating he was staying until the end of 2023 surely ending any chance of him going to Leeds.
But it may not be that simple for him and fellow Leeds Rhinos target Nene MacDonald with Leigh naming eight overseas players in that squad despite only having seven quota spots for next season suggesting one will have to leave.
Could it be Nakubuwai or MacDonald and could they reunite with Rohan Smith at Leeds?
