David Armstrong has been offered a contract by Newcastle, for how long and how much is unknown as yet. Once Ponga is fit he won’t play fullback, but they have said he could probably play wing in the same team. What has been said is that they haven’t much room on the cap due to others being given new deals. If we can go in with a multi year deal, with decent money, he could still come.

Hope he does, but can't see it with his scoring form since breaking into the team at Newcastle.

https://leighleopards.co.uk/ben-nakubuw ... s-on-loan/ Ben Nakubuwai - season long loan. Does that mean he can be de-registered?

https://leighleopards.co.uk/ben-nakubuw ... s-on-loan/ Ben Nakubuwai - season long loan. Does that mean he can be de-registered?

Here would appear to be the answer https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... ewest-name

Here would appear to be the answer https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... ewest-name

I have heard talk of us having three marquee players. I do not see us having a club trained marquee player for at least three seasons. As far as I understand the ‘Club Trained’ marquee dispensation, a player needs to have been on the club’s register for three years up to the end of the season in which he is no longer eligible for Under 21s. This player would count £50,000 on the salary cap. Even then we would need to sign one of the most talented 17 or 18 year olds and keep him for three years before he could count as a ‘club trained marquee player’ This player would then need to be on quite a bit more than £50,000 to make it worthwhile.

This was what I was trying to say, that we have nobody who fits the 3rd category marquee, but on numerous occasions, Deggsy has stated that we will have all 3 marquee positions filled. Go figure.

The three marquee players do not have to be one from each category. The only requirement is to have one "federation trained" player with a marquee contract. We managed to swing it so Lam has Fed trained status, so he will be one marquee. The other two can be overseas, which this season will be Asiata and Moylan.

I'd be looking to tie up Ipape on a marquee contract extension once this season is done.

So far, it seems we have for 2025;

1) O'Brien
2) Hanley
3) McIntosh
4) ?
5) Charnley
6) Moylan
7) Lam (though he may be free to leave if an NRL offer comes in)


Mulhern
9) Ipape
10) Trout
11) Hughes (rumoured extension not announced)
12) Halton
13) Davis

S - Dwyer
S - Norman
S - Martin (rumoured signing from Cas)
S - Pene (rumoured signing to come in this year)

Plus McNamara, Brogan

Then no idea what is happening with the likes of Nisbet, Brand, Gannon, etc.

I make it that we need to bring in 2 centres, a second row, loose forward and 1 maybe 2 props.

We have an extensive building job to do, Hull KR seem to be snapping up any talent early, I hope we sign some genuine starting 17 quality this time round and not just go for numbers like last time. We desperately need some pace.

Leythig, Thanks for clarifying the marquee player rules. I mistakenly thought the allowance was for one of each category, not three in total.

I think recruitment for this season, was pretty good to be honest. Moylan is a massive upgrade on Reynolds, while Trout and Norman both offer more than the likes of Ava and Wilde who often featured in the 17 last season. Unfortunately, we've made a mess of preparing for the season, with the S&C coach leaving and only having one friendly to get used to the new rules, has left us with lots of muscle injuries, regularly running out of steam in the last 20 minutes of games and being towards the top of the table for cards shown.

Biggest mistake recruitment wise was renewing Nakubuwai's contract, which cost us any chance of signing Sailor or Armstrong

We need several big forwards for next season. You need enough good forwards for 2 packs to have any chance of doing well in SL.

Seems like Armstrong staying put for next 2years.

When are we going to announce the new signing Derek mentioned would arrive Friday. I thought it was Aaron Pene, but if you believe sarl he has signed for Salford for rest of season. The lack of news from the club makes you wonder if it’s true.

In respect to the sad news of the passing of Rob Burrows, It doesn't seem appropriate to reveal any signings at this moment in time to be fair.

You have a valid point there Cokey.

Whilst I agree somewhat with above , it seems like Leeds have no issue in announcing activity in their ranks.

We should always expose good news when there is a buzz around the club , and with the recent news all over socials that Leigh are taking 1.5k to France now is the time to keep the club trending - quite a phenomenal following for any away game never mind fans shelling out best part of £400 quid get there

Totally agree. Leigh Leopards are fortunate to have such a passionate set of fans. Times have changed since the introduction of IMG but the club have continued to take a naïve approach to the Fandom category and it is not surprising that we are amongst the least successful in our number digital subscribers compared with other clubs. In order to maintain and hopefully grow the level of support it is wrong to take the fans for granted with such poor communication.

https://x.com/LeagueScenePod/status/180 ... e2PBQ&s=19 Good signing for you lot if this is true. Armstrong has back flipped on his knights deal

https://x.com/LeagueScenePod/status/180 ... e2PBQ&s=19 Good signing for you lot if this is true. Armstrong has back flipped on his knights deal

Yeh it seems like he has. We have offered a three year deal and more money, plus he will play full back instead of just being a back up player in the nrl.

This was one rumour that never went away.

“It’s just club policy that we don’t discuss those sort of rumours or let’s say speculation that are linked to our club,” Lam said.

“It’s something that Chris Chester (Leigh’s head of rugby) is driving at the moment and if there is any further information to be had we will let anyone know as soon as that happens.

I reckon he was in the bag and signed up by Leigh months ago. All the contract extension saga at Newcastle came too late. I think that he was already our signing.

Pure speculation on my part

Degsey did say last week that a player was to arrive (last Friday). I think that's what a couple of posters were alluding to. I guess the club like to play cloak-and-dagger a little bit.

Great news if it comes off, I’ve never known a time in the last 10 years where the NRL churn out Full Backs who are ridiculously good, if he’s half as good as Teddy, Turbo, Edwards, Papenhausin, Gutherson we are in for a real treat