Leigh Leopards’ captain John Asiata recently made a surprising announcement that stirred reactions from the rugby league community. In a heartfelt message, Asiata revealed that he would be leaving Leigh Leopards at the end of the season. While his departure had been hinted at, fans were shocked by the timing and emotional nature of his message.
Asiata explained that the decision to leave wasn’t entirely under his control. His move to Hull FC had been finalized, and an announcement from the new club was released earlier than expected, even before he had a chance to inform his teammates. This led to a situation that Asiata found less than ideal, as he would have preferred to personally communicate the news to the people closest to him within the club. Despite this, Asiata expressed his gratitude towards the Leopards and their fans for the support he received during his time with the club【26†source】【28†source】.
The 31-year-old Samoan international and NRL veteran, who previously played for the North Queensland Cowboys, joined Leigh ahead of the 2022 season, making an immediate impact. He helped guide the team to promotion from the Championship to the Super League and led them to their historic Challenge Cup win in 2023. This victory was particularly special, as it marked the club’s first Challenge Cup in 50 years【26†source】.
In his statement, Asiata acknowledged that his time at Leigh was coming to a close, but he remained committed to giving his all until the very end of the season. Injuries had limited his ability to contribute on the field recently, but he assured fans that his heart was still with the team. He also spoke about the importance of balancing his career with family responsibilities, noting that his move to Hull FC was a decision made in the best interest of his family, given the short nature of professional sports careers【28†source】.
Asiata’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Leigh Leopards. He emphasized that Leigh will always hold a special place in his heart, having given him the opportunity to revive his career after setbacks in Australia. For Leigh fans, Asiata’s announcement is bittersweet: while they are saddened to see their captain leave, they remain grateful for the memories and achievements he brought to the club【27†source】.
