Leigh Leopards must move on one of their quota players after confirming they have one too many contracted for next season. The Leopards, who confirmed 10 new signings as well as a re-brand on Thursday, outlined their current squad plans ahead of their return to Super League.
That will see Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele head up their recruitment drive, with the likes of Gareth O'Brien, Oliver Holmes and more also linking up with Adrian Lam's squad for next season. However, one problem has emerged.
At their big Super League launch event, Legh outlined their quota player situation and confirmed that they currently have eight overseas players on their books for 2023. They confirmed that Tom Amone, John Asiata, Blake Ferguson, Edwin Ipape, Ricky Leutele, Nene Macdonald, Ben Nakubuwai and Kai O'Donnell were all contract for next season. Super League rules only permit seven overseas squad members.
Read more: Leigh Leopards quota player problem amid Leeds Rhinos' Nene Macdonald interest
It means that Leigh will have to move on one of the eight, and all signs point to Nene Macdonald. Leeds Live revealed in August that the Rhinos had shown interest in the Papua New Guinea international, who is well known to coach Rohan Smith having worked together at Norths Devils. It's also worth noting that the other seven players on the list all joined the club on one-year contracts but have extended their contracts recently, suggesting they are all firmly in Lam's plans.
Rugby League Live is aware of interest in Macdonald and though the Rhinos did distance themselves from interest in the powerful centre as a result of their salary cap issues at the time, it is believed they have indeed shown interest in signing him over recent months. Now, Leeds are in the market for players and also have a quota spot following the departure of Bodene Thompson. Liam Sutcliffe's exit would also suggest a centre is a priority point for coach Rohan Smith, though there has also been a suggestion Rhyse Martin could be moved to centre.
What is clear is that Macdonald's future appears to be away from Leigh Sports Village and, with Leeds' past interest noted, it's certainly a case of watch this space.
In outlining their current quota position, Leigh confirmed that Caleb Aekins, Jy Hitchcox, Krisnan Inu and Sam Stone have also left. Ata Hingano has signed for York and Mark Ioane Keighley.
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