Leigh Leopards are preparing for perhaps their biggest game since the 2017 Million Pound Game as Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium plays host to their semi-final against St Helens whilst rivals Wigan Warriors take on Hull KR at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium this week as well which could set up a huge Challenge Cup Final between the two rivals at Wembley in August.
The Leopards are a fairytale story going from the Championship to second in Super League in just one year.
Derek Beaumont has worked tirelessly to get the club to where they are right now and invested plenty but on the eve of their huge game they have found themselves wrapped up in a transfer saga over the future of captain John Asiata who will lead them out on Saturday.
The loose-forward has been an exceptional signing since joining the club last year and has gone on to skipper the side.
He could even lead them to silverware they way things are currently going at the club which is truly amazing given he was playing in the Championship a year ago with the then Leigh Centurions.
According to the notorious Mole down under Asiata has attracted offers from three NRL clubs in recent weeks.
“There is one club in Queensland and two in New South Wales that are interested in John,” his manager Pierre Tannous told Wide World of Sports.
“His form in England has been very good but he feels it is time to come home.”
However, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has firmly shut down these suggestions on social media saying:
“John is contracted and I wouldn’t accept a million quid for him. Anyone reading anything around players leaving I can guarantee you it will be nonsense as nobody is for sale!”
He also revealed that talks are on going between themselves and Asiata about extending:
“John going nowhere loves it at our club not for sale not for any price! Talking with John to extend certainly not leave!”
The Mole himself has stuck by the suggestion that Asiata will be leaving telling Beaumont to “remember” that Tweet when Asiata is playing in the NRL.
No matter what happens, it is not what Leigh needed going into a semi-final with the Super League and World Champions.
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