Leigh Leopards are set to have a quota problem with the Super League side already maxed out at seven overseas players but in the midst of recruiting another, something that will force them to release one of their international talents.
Adrian Lam’s side have filled their quota of seven overseas players after retaining six from last season and signing Australian Matt Moylan who filled the vacant spot left following Ava Seumanufagai’s departure.
Moylan was a key signing for the club as he replaced half-back Ben Reynolds but the Leopards have been trying to get another deal done for a pacey back.
Initially, the club were targeting Brisbane Broncos’ Tristan Sailor but the NRL runners-up rebuffed any advance causing owner Derek Beaumont to take to social media to warn off NRL sides.
Beaumont accepted Brisbane’s position but claimed that not all NRL sides had respected the Leopards when there were transfer talks surrounding contracted stars such as John Asiata and Lachlan Lam.
After missing out on Sailor, who would have also sent Leigh into a quota problem, the Challenge Cup winners have continued their search and per reports down under they’ve found their man.
The only problem is that if they’re to sign him then they’re going to need to release one of their own.
Leigh Leopards eye up “rising star”
Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has financed the club and built yet another very strong squad for 2024. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2248-0055
With Leigh intent on adding depth and cover to what is an ageing back three of Gareth O’Brien, Josh Charnley and Tom Briscoe, the search has landed on Newcastle Knights’ youngster David Armstrong.
Armstrong can play at both full-back and on the wing and has already been named in the Knights’ top-30 squad after impressing in the NSW Cup last season.
Fox Sports have reported on Leigh’s interest, stating: “A Knights rising star has reportedly emerged as a target for Super League team Leigh Leopards.
“David Armstrong was promoted to Newcastle’s top-30 list for 2024 after starring in the NSW Cup for the Knights last season, scoring 15 tries from just 18 games.”
However, it’s unclear if the Knights will let him go with the 22-year-old’s versatility very handy for the club who could see full-back Kayln Ponga and centre Bradman Best called into Origin action.
Also, the club are trying to replace England international Dom Young who has departed for Sydney Roosters and Armstrong would provide competition for that spot.
Despite this further fuel has been added to the fire with the Newcastle Herald reporting on Leigh’s interest, suggesting that the Challenge Cup holders are intent on the deal.
Who could Leigh Leopards release to sign Armstrong?
Leigh Leopards Fijian forward Ben Nakubuwai – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx
If Leigh Leopards do sign Armstrong then they will have to release one of their overseas players and it could be an obvious fix that sees Ben Nakubuwai depart the club.
The Fijian prop forward has been subject to speculation all off-season in regard to his contract status and transfer talk and this could be the nail in the coffin for his Leigh career.
The Leopards have signed forwards Dan Norman and Owen Trout with only Ava Seumanufagai leaving their forward pack, so it is possible that the 27-year-old Fijian could be released.
There could also be a Super League destination ready for him with his former club Salford Red Devils one of two sides with a quota spot and Paul Rowley’s side are desperate for signings with just 25 players in their squad currently.
If Leigh do sign Armstrong they wouldn’t have to necessarily confirm their quota release immediately but before he took to the field it would have to be done and dealt with.
Wakefield Trinity were in a similar position last season when they brought back David Fifita and them de-register one of their long-term injured overseas players, before later releasing him.
As yet the deal for Armstrong isn’t done but it’s one to keep an eye on with the possible domino effect being that Salford get one of their former players back during a time of need.
