Leigh Leopards Confirm End of Season Departing Players
Leigh Leopards are able to confirm the players who will depart from the club at the end of the 2024 season.
Club captain John Asiata and four other members of the 2023 Challenge Cup-winning team—Tom Amone, Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, and Kai O’Donnell—will continue their distinguished careers elsewhere. Ricky Leutele, Jacob Jones, Jacob Gannon, Tom Nisbet, and Lewis Baxter will also leave the club.
The Club wishes to thank all of their departing players for their efforts, and wish them every success and happiness in the future.
Leopards supporters have an opportunity to thank all the players at a special on-pitch ceremony following the conclusion of this Friday’s Betfred Super League game against St Helens.
John Asiata
Club captain John Asiata (HN#1527) enjoyed an outstanding debut season in 2022, as Leigh broke several long-standing records, lifting three trophies and regaining their place in Super League.
Derek Beaumont praised Asiata’s contributions to the club, stating, “John is a special human being. He was instrumental in us getting to Super League and in attracting other top players here. He was an inspirational leader when we won the Challenge Cup. He’s been great for the town and turns up and does so many things without people asking.”
Chris Chester echoed these sentiments, adding, “John has been an inspirational leader of the group. He’s a great guy and will forever live in Leigh fans’ memories for lifting the Challenge Cup for the first time in over 50 years.”
Adrian Lam highlighted Asiata’s leadership, stating, “We needed a leader to guide the team and keep standards high. John has shown outstanding leadership qualities and has been the ideal person to lead the group.”
Reflecting on his time at Leigh, Asiata said, “Helping the club make history and breaking records as a group, being able to captain the squad to a first Challenge Cup win in 50 years, but also getting back into Super League and making it to the finals in our first year back. I’ve met some wonderful people and lifelong friends both within the staff and group but also in the community. I would love to thank the fans for their support throughout my time, never let us down in both home and away games.”
John Asiata is sponsored by Leigh Cables for the 2024 season
Zak Hardaker
Zak Hardaker (HN#1544) joined the club from Leeds Rhinos on the day the Leopards rebrand was announced. Having played previously under Adrian Lam at Wigan, he has scored 10 tries and kicked 39 goals in 52 Leopards games, recently passing the notable milestone of 150 career tries.
Derek Beaumont expressed his admiration for Hardaker: “I’m really glad Zak has been here at our club. He’s been fantastic for us. He’s an out-and-out competitor, and I know every time he plays for us, he plays his best.”
Chris Chester recalled Hardaker’s memorable moment: “Zak has been fantastic. I remember the day we announced his signing was the day we announced the Leopards. Those four successive tackles he made at Wembley won us the Challenge Cup.”
Adrian Lam added, “Zak would play Rugby League every day if he could. He inspires the team by his actions and his leadership qualities off the field.”
Hardaker reflected on his time at the club: “Wow, probably one of the best years of my career. The bonds we formed really early in the team and the fun we had was clear to see. To have the success of a Challenge Cup win at Wembley – well, that’s what dreams are made of. To do it with this team, club, and town, and knowing what it means to everyone, will truly stick in my heart forever.”
Zak Hardaker is sponsored by Walkersteel.
Tom Amone
Tom Amone (HN#1528) had played in the NRL for both South Sydney and Wests Tigers, but joining Leigh in 2022 gave him the opportunity to play regular first-team football for the first time. He has become one of the outstanding middles in Super League, making the most metres in the competition in 2023, and has scored 17 tries in 84 Leigh games.
Derek Beaumont commented, “Tom is the most improved player since he joined the group. He is one of, if not the best, players in Super League in his position and off the field, a humble, caring person.”
Chris Chester hailed Amone’s journey, stating, “What an unbelievable signing. He progressed from a bench player in the Championship to the best prop in Super League last year.”
Adrian Lam said of Amone, “One of Tom’s greatest attributes is his ability to listen. He has built up his confidence and now has a voice in the changing room. I’d like to thank him for what he’s done for our great club.”
Amone reflected on his time at the Leopards: “What a blessing it was to wear the Leopard jersey over the last three years. It’s been an amazing journey, not only for myself but the team and town. Starting in Championship, then being promoted to Super League, and winning the Challenge Cup will be something I’ll always remember. This club will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Tom Amone is sponsored by Caton Lloyd Audio Visual Solutions.
Oliver Holmes
Oliver Holmes (HN#1550) was signed from Warrington Wolves, having spent a decade at Castleford Tigers where he earned England honours. Last season, he famously scored a try in the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat of Saints that took the Leopards to Wembley. He played twenty-seven games for the club, scoring three tries.
Sadly, this season his appearances have been restricted by injury, but Holmes has been an outstanding member of the squad.
Derek Beaumont commented, “It’s such a shame Olly has struggled with injuries this year. But we’ve seen plenty of him in the two years, and he’s certainly given value. He still has a lot to offer and will prove that at Hull.”
Chris Chester added, “Olly will always be remembered for his try in the Challenge Cup semi-final. He’s played an important part in our progress over the past two years.”
Adrian Lam praised Holmes, stating, “Olly has been around Rugby League for a long time and is a great character. We are very grateful for what he has brought to the group.”
Holmes reflected on his journey: “I have enjoyed my time here at Leigh and feel I have played my part in building the club to the place it is now. The Challenge Cup win was a massive highlight, and I take great pride in that achievement. I’m looking forward to the new chapter in my life moving back to Yorkshire.”
Oliver Holmes is sponsored by LGH Plumbing & Heating Services.
Ricky Leutele
Ricky Leutele (HN#1546) was signed on the same day as the Leopards rebrand and has proved to be an outstanding centre over the past two seasons, scoring 14 tries in 47 Leigh games.
Derek Beaumont praised Leutele: “What a bloke! A superb human being and a legend of a player. He has given everything and deeply cares about the club.”
Chris Chester added, “Ricky is a fantastic guy and a fantastic player. I can’t speak too highly of him and the impact he’s made at our club.”
Adrian Lam commended Leutele’s resilience, stating, “Ricky is a great leader and has a great presence around the group. He showed great resilience bouncing back after a serious injury. I’m forever grateful for what he has brought to the club.”
Reflecting on his time at Leigh, Leutele said, “I’ve really enjoyed the last two seasons as a Leopard. Thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to represent this club. The fans have been awesome, not only to me but to my family also. This is the first team I’ve played for where my kids have really supported and understood rugby league, so this club will have a special place in their hearts in years to come.”
Ricky Leutele is sponsored by CS Living
Kai O’Donnell
Kai O’Donnell (HN#1539) joined Leigh during the 2022 season from Burleigh Bears, making an immediate impact as one of only six Leigh forwards to score four tries in a game. O’Donnell has made 76 appearances for the Leopards, scoring 31 tries.
Derek Beaumont said of O’Donnell, “He trains like Tarzan and plays like Tarzan. He’s been incredible for us, and we all wish him well in the NRL.”
Chris Chester recalled O’Donnell’s debut, stating, “Kai made the best debut I’ve ever seen at Widnes, and in the past two and a half years, what a player he’s been for us.”
Adrian Lam added, “Kai is the ultimate professional and has been our best player this season. Some people say he’s my favourite player. His game has gone up another level.”
O’Donnell reflected on his time at Leigh: “Looking back at my time at Leigh, it has probably been the most enjoyable time of my life. The Challenge Cup win holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m very thankful for my coach Lammy for putting so much time and faith into me. This town will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Kai O’Donnell is sponsored by Paul Lester Transport.
Tom Nisbet is the Leopards’ longest serving player, having joined the club, initially on loan, during the 2021 season.
Formerly with St Helens, he has been a hugely valuable squad member but found first team opportunities hard to come by.
Nisbet (HN#1520) made 13 appearances for the club, scoring five tries. He is sponsored by PSL Plumbing & Heating.
Jacob Jones (HN#1530) gained valuable experience with Coventry and London Broncos before joining Leigh in 2022, making 15 appearances (one try) in his debut season.
He has since been unable to force his way into the first team but this year has enjoyed an excellent season at his former club, London Broncos, playing in all but a handful of their Super League games while on extended loan.
Lewis Baxter (HN#1561) was a close season signing from St Helens and made two first team appearances for Leopards this season, also furthering his experience on loan in the Championship.
Jacob Gannon joined Leopards from Warrington Wolves, having gained valuable experience in the Championship on loan and dual registration spells.He is sponsored by Champion Group. The promising middle was unable to break into the Leopards’ first team during his two years at the club and has spent much of the present season on loan at York Knights.
Supporters will have the opportunity to bid farewell to all departing players at a special ceremony following Friday’s game.
Leigh Leopards would like to thank all departing players for the contributions they have made to the club, we’d also like to give thanks to Tom Briscoe, Aaron Smith and Ed Chamberlain who also left us earlier in the season.
