DEREK BEAUMONT has revealed that Leigh Leopards have been competing with Castleford Tigers for a number of signings for 2026 and beyond.
The Leopards have announced the likes of Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Adam Cook and Oliver Polec as new recruits for this season, but with the increase from seven to ten for the number of overseas quota players clubs are allowed, Leigh have been working hard to bring in fresh blood.
In recent years, the Leopards have had to deal with a great turnover of players, but head coach Adrian Lam has repeatedly emphasised that will not happen in 2026.
That being said, new signings will be coming through the doors at the Leigh Sports Village – if the Leopards can beat Castleford and Leigh’s former head of rugby Chris Chester to them.
“In the past, we have had to approach agents to find out about players and you’ve had to kind of overpay or convince people to come, whereas now we are seen as a genuine contender for winning trophies,” Beaumont told Leopards TV.
“The top-level players are wanting to join us. Having a quality coach and a quality facility helps with that as well, but that’s a good indicator of where you are at.
“Without being disrespectful to Chezzy (Chris Chester) at Castleford, he is trying to do that there and it’s a tough job for him.
“It’s interesting now because one or two players we are working with in our final bits on top of our retention, he is in the mix for too.
“I don’t succumb to be used as lever, though, that isn’t any disrespect to Castleford. If a player wants to go there for more money then so be it, but if someone says ‘we can get that at such a club’ then I say ‘well this is what you can get here’.
“You don’t have to pay overs but you have to be mindful that you don’t lose them as well. It’s competitive out there but we are regarded by players and agents as a top-six club now.”