PNG international Liam Horne joined Leopards during the close season on a three-year contract following his release from Castleford Tigers. He celebrated by joining up with new Leopards’ team-mates Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape and Jacob Alick-Wienke in the PNG team which beat the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl at Port Moresby.

Horne is well known to head coach Adrian Lam from his early playing days with Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. An aggressive, physical hooker, quick around the ruck, he can play in other positions when required.

Horne joined Castleford in July 2023 after impressive 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 PNG debut against Fiji in 2022 and so far, has represented his country on six occasions.