Another Leigh Leopards star set to be released as major transfer looms

Leigh Leopards are closing in on another major signing ahead of the 2024 season as Derek Beaumont truly shows his ambition.

After hitting out at IMG for not giving clubs the incentive to be ambitious on the field and with their signings, Beaumont said he didn’t need to sign Matt Moylan but did because he wants to build on the club’s success in 2023 when they finished fifth and won the Challenge Cup against Hull KR.

He is now set to underline that ambition further by recruiting Tristan Sailor according to reports but this is likely to spell the end of one man’s stay at the club.

As reported by a number of sources and now most recently Zero Tackle, the club are set to release Ben Nakubuwai to get the deal over the line as it would open up an all important quota spot.

According to Zero Tackle, this release is nearing and would leave him available to sign with Super League rivals such as Salford Red Devils who are in the market for a prop.

Leigh have been able to finance the move for Sailor through Beaumont but the Leopards are already growing their brand and finances and have welcomed iDuct Ltd as official kit sponsors ahead of the 2024 Betfred Super League season.

Based on the Moss Industrial Estate in Leigh, iDuct Ltd is a fast-growing company which manufactures high quality steel ducting and other ventilation supplies for the HVAC, LEV and other air movement industries and has proudly achieved Made in Britain accreditation.

Grant Gledhill, iDuct’s Managing Director, explained that the company was formed with the aim to revolutionise and innovate the ducting supply industry, with an emphasis on lower pricing, stock availability and market leading customer service, without ever compromising on product quality. With recent investments in the latest manufacturing technology coupled with their knowledgeable and growing team, iDuct has the pieces in place to offer industry beating trade pricing alongside world-class product support.

Mr Gledhill said: “Since launching at the beginning of last year, iDuct has gone from strength to strength and has since moved to a larger production and storage facility to accommodate this growth. This significant investment means we have thousands of products ready for when our customers need them, and the ability to dispatch items for next day delivery or collection.”

The link-up with the Betfred Challenge Cup holders, who achieved widespread national and international exposure with their Wembley victory, underlines the company’s growth aims. “Whilst we serve customers right across the UK, most of our current customers are across the north of England so sponsoring a local and long-established Rugby League team such as the Leigh Leopards is a perfect fit for us.” Mr Gledhill continued.

“Ultimately by setting the standard for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, iDuct aspires to be the UK’s undisputed market leader and becoming an official partner with the Leopards at such an exciting time will help us achieve this goal.”

Leigh Leopards COO Steve Kerr said: “I’m delighted to welcome iDuct to Leigh Leopards as an official kit sponsor. It’s brilliant to be working with local businesses that share similar values, are ambitious and are pushing for growth.

“It always gives me great pleasure to be out and about in the business community and it fair to say I was inspired by Grant, his team and their ‘can do’ attitude towards growth and excellence, whilst raising the standards of manufacturing.

“This is an exciting partnership that I know will develop over the coming years and I’m very excited to be working with such a forward-thinking team. iDuct will feature as the main shorts sponsors and we are looking forward to supporting iDuct increase their brand visibility across the North of England and nationally.”