DEREK BEAUMONT has revealed that Leigh Leopards’ recruitment has not yet finished for 2027 – and has also explained why his club don’t announce new signings during the season.
The Leopards have so far only brought in Hull KR prop Tevita Pangai Jr and Wigan Warriors youngster Jack Purtill, whilst Matt Davis and Gareth O’Brien have extended their deals into next season.
The vast majority of Super League clubs drip feed new recruits through the season, but the Leopards do not, because Beaumont believes in respecting players and other clubs.
“I think it’s all about respect, it’s about respecting the clubs that players might be coming to us are currently playing for,” Beaumont said.
“I don’t think it’s right that their fans should know they are leaving. Players are professional enough and we choose not to comment on it.
“But we talk about it behind the scenes. For those leaving, it might be financial, location-wise or the fact that someone is prepared to give a player a longer-term deal. It’s never personal.
“I don’t want to have a pop at any other clubs, but we have seen how some clubs do it.
“For me, the focus isn’t about who is going or coming in, it’s a fluid thing and it continues throughout the year.”
Beaumont also revealed that more signings will be coming through the doors at Leigh.
“Our squad for next year isn’t fully finalised yet. We are still going through the process. People need to trust the process and those running the club.
“You get some players right and you get some players wrong but we are ongoing with our signings. There are at least two signings to be made who we will announce at the right time.
“There are players we are speaking to who we hope to sign and sometimes there are issues about why they can’t be announced.”
