LEIGH LEOPARDS are in discussion with their captain John Asiata over a two-year extension that would see the Lancashire club talisman stay at the club for 2025 and 2026.
League Express understands that Leigh are locked in negotiations with Asiata, who quickly became one of the Leopards’ most important players after joining during the 2022 Championship season, but they face interest from four NRL clubs for his signature for next year and beyond.
One of those clubs is thought to be his former side North Queensland Cowboys, League Express understands.
Asiata made his debut for the North Queensland Cowboys back in 2014, registering over 100 appearances for the club before moving on to the Brisbane Broncos ahead of the 2021 NRL season.
He made just ten appearances for the Broncos with Covid-19 putting an end to Asiata’s spell. Instead, the 30-year-old moved to the UK to help Leigh earn Championship promotion in 2022.
Asiata, 30, has since made almost 50 appearances for Leigh and made the 2023 Super League Dream Team after a stellar year in captaining the Leopards to Challenge Cup success and a top six play-off spot.
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