Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm the signing of PNG international Liam Horne on a three-year contract following his release from Castleford Tigers.
Horne, 27, joins up with new Leopards’ team-mates Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape and Jacob Alick-Wienke in the PNG team to play the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl this Saturday at Port Moresby.
Head coach Adrian Lam said: “I’ve watched Liam since his playing days with Norths Devils in Queensland Cup and I like the way he plays. He’s very aggressive, very physical and he’s a player I think will fit straight into our squad.
“Liam is the ultimate competitor and can play a number of positions. I strongly believe we can accelerate his game to another level and have a significant influence on the way he develops.
“I think being part of the 17 every week he will excel in everything he does.
“Liam was born in Port Moresby and has played with Castleford for the past couple of years. Being a fan of his I saw it as a great opportunity to bring him to our club and strengthen our squad. He can play 9 or 13 and will be integral to our success in the future.
“I would like to personally thank our owner Derek Beaumont for his continued financial support towards our recruitment and retention process.”
Speaking from Port Moresby, Liam Horne said: “I’m really excited to have signed for Leigh Leopards. You’re a club that’s grown incredibly in recent years and I can’t wait to be a part of that.
“I’m really excited to be lining up with Lokie, Edwin and Jacob on the club front as well, they’re guys I’ve loved playing with and of course I’m really looking forward to working with Adrian.
“The atmosphere at Leigh is incredible and I can’t wait to call it home”
Leopards CEO Neil Jukes said: “Signing Liam puts us in a really strong place at the hooker position with having two genuine PNG internationals available to choose from. It would be the envy of most clubs.
“As with Edwin he can play various positions and roles within the team too, which can add an element of unpredictability. Liam’s been a standout performer for Castleford and PNG in every game I’ve seen him play.
“Year on year it’s about how we can consistently improve the squad and through further financial support from our owner Derek Beaumont I believe again we’ve done just that. What a time to be a Leopard fan!”
Horne joined Castleford in July 2023 after stand-out performances in the Brisbane Competition. He played in Norths Devils Premiership-winning teams of 2021 against Wynnum-Manly and the following year against Redcliffe.
He was the Tigers’ Player of the Year in 2024 and in all scored seven tries in 57 games for the club. He made his PONG debut against Fiji in 2022 and so far, has represented his country on six occasions.
Liam Horne is sponsored by Fairview Windows for the 2026 season.
