KAI O’DONNELL RETURNS HOME TO LEIGH LEOPARDS
The Leopards are delighted to announce the return of fan favourite Kai O’Donnell, who will rejoin the club ahead of the 2027 Super League season following his spell in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys.
O’Donnell, 27, returns to the Leopards after making 77 appearances and scoring 31 tries during his previous spell at the club, becoming an integral part of the team that lifted the Challenge Cup in 2023 and reached the Super League play-offs in both 2023 and 2024.
Having arrived in April 2022, Kai quickly established himself as one of the most popular and respected members of the Leigh squad, with his performances, professionalism and commitment making a lasting impression on everyone associated with the club.
His departure to the NRL following the 2024 season was a significant moment for the Leopards. During his time in Australia, Kai made 25 appearances for North Queensland Cowboys across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Now, he returns to the Leopards Den, reuniting with Head Coach Adrian Lam and a club that has continued to go from strength to strength during his time away.
KAI O’DONNELL: “I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK HOME”
Speaking on his return to the Leopards, Kai said:
“It’s such a great moment for me to be coming back to Leigh Leopards. I made no secret of the fact that it was a really difficult decision to leave. I love the club, the fans and the town.
“When the opportunity came to rejoin, I jumped at the chance and I can’t wait to get back home.
“Lammy is a coach I have the utmost respect and admiration for. He’s really developed me as a player, and I think my time in the past under him has brought out my best football. I’m looking forward to coming back, reaching another level under him and helping the team do the same.
“I always kept an eye out for Leigh while I was in Australia, and it’s been amazing to see them grow and grow. Last time I joined Leigh, they were a Championship club. This time, they’re Super League play-off regulars, and hopefully we can turn that into silverware at the end of the season.
“I want you all to know that I saw almost all of the messages on social media about the opportunity of me coming back, and it was very humbling to see. I love this town; my daughter was born here.
“I’m coming back determined to give you all something back for your support.”
ADRIAN LAM: “HE’S THE TYPE OF PLAYER THAT CAN SINGLE-HANDEDLY LIFT THE CLUB”
Head Coach Adrian Lam expressed his delight at welcoming Kai back to the Leopards, highlighting the impact he made both on and off the field during his previous spell.
“I’ve got goosebumps. I know that, in his time here, he certainly touched the whole town, all of our fans and all of the squad.
“For me personally, he brought a lot of professionalism to the group. I’m very, very excited. He’s the type of player that can single-handedly lift the club and the team.
“I was broken-hearted when he left. We’re always broken-hearted when a player leaves the team, but Kai was just a different level because of his professionalism around the place.
“He’s one of those players who trains when he’s injured, plays when he’s injured and doesn’t want to miss a training session. That’s now a standard we’ve set here as a club.
“As a player, he’s just the ultimate professional. He runs lines, scores tries, and everything he gives is at 100%. He’s a hungry player who competes at every level.
“His presence back in that Leopards jersey for 2027 certainly excites everyone around the town.”
ANDREW HENDERSON: “WE BELIEVE HE IS RETURNING AS AN EVEN BETTER PLAYER”
Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson welcomed Kai’s return, highlighting the impact he made during his previous spell and the qualities he will bring back to the Leopards.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Kai back to Leigh. From the moment he left the club to pursue an opportunity with the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, he has remained someone our supporters have held in very high regard.
“Kai made a significant impact during his previous spell with the Leopards and quickly became a fan favourite through the way he played the game. His commitment, work ethic and wholehearted approach resonated with our supporters, and we’re excited to see him back in a Leigh shirt.
“Since leaving the club, he’s continued to develop his game in the NRL with the Cowboys, gaining valuable experience in one of the toughest competitions in world rugby league.
“We believe he is returning as an even better player and at a stage of his career where he can make a significant impact on our squad.
“Throughout our conversations, it was very clear how much the club means to Kai and how excited he is to return. He understands what Leigh Leopards is all about, what our supporters expect and the standards we set every day.
“Bringing quality players to the club is always important, but bringing back quality people who already have a strong connection with the club is even more special.
“We are delighted to have secured Kai’s return, and we know our supporters will be just as excited as we are to see him back where he belongs.”
DEREK BEAUMONT: “SOME THINGS ARE WORTH FLYING FOR!”
Club owner Derek Beaumont revealed the lengths he went to in order to secure Kai’s return, travelling to Brisbane with his son to finalise the deal.
“To coin a lyric from the Rocky IV Robert Tepper song, ‘There’s no easy way out’, but some things are worth fighting for. Well, having done that, it’s rather apt to say some things are worth flying for!
“It’s a song on my motivational gym playlist, not that you would think I have been doing much of that lately, judging by my size! But it hit my ears as I boarded the plane with my son to Brisbane to finalise the deal with Kai.
“I had anticipated having to fly to Townsville, so it worked out well when we finally got the finite points sorted, as he was in Brisbane visiting family and Lammy was there as well!
“I treat all our players like Famileigh, but for some reason Kai was more than that. I think that was largely because of the bond my youngest son had with him, which, to be fair, could be said for a lot of Leigh fans.
“I clearly recall that moment when we said farewell to a number of our Famileigh in front of the North Stand after that Challenge Cup-winning season. But when I gave Kai a farewell hug, it felt different.
“I am not the only person at the club who felt that way. All our staff had been touched by Kai, just like our fans, and were saddened that he had got the opportunity he came over for: a prime gig back in the NRL.
“You couldn’t begrudge him that, and we were all happy for him, but we all shared the feeling that we would probably never be fortunate enough to see him run out in the Leopards Den again.
“I guess this particularly motivated me, along with the nagging in my ear from my youngest and the constant questions from fans at games and on social media.
“It was obvious what everybody wanted, and I had to find a way.
“There was no reluctance from Kai to return. He loves the club, Lammy and the town folk. But he has a young family who are settled, and he had offers from the NRL, particularly with the additional teams coming into play.
“He and his family also have a close relationship with Lockie and his family, and that’s probably been brought home even more with them meeting up and seeing Lockie’s beautiful daughter, Lu Lu.
“Meeting Kai in Brisbane was a big deal for me and my son, and all the stars seemed to align with it happening there, with Lammy in town.
“I am particularly pleased for the fans, more than anything, to be privileged to be able to complete this return as a result of their backing of the club, their renewal of their memberships at the increased rates, and our sponsors’ increased investments.
“That means there is still a marquee middle to announce, although I am still finalising that transaction out here.
“Kai will be shocked when he sees the new environment created for the players in the off-season, as will all the players. That, again, has been made possible because of the fans’ and sponsors’ backing.
“The club will provide more information around that when I get back and Terry catches up with me.
“Until then, I hope everyone can trust the process. We hear you, we share the same goals, and we will always act in your and the club’s best interests.
“Sometimes that’s frustrating, as it takes time and I can’t always share things that I would like to.
“I’m so looking forward to Kai’s return to the Den. It will be deafening!
“Up the Leopards!”
WELCOME HOME, KAI!
The Leopards are delighted to welcome Kai and his family back to Leigh, with the club and supporters eagerly anticipating his return to the Leopards Den in 2027.
Kai is available to sponsor for the 2027 season email [email protected]