Leigh Leopards Land Major Signing as Joe Ofahengaue Joins on Long-Term Deal
Leigh Leopards have pulled off a significant coup by securing the services of Parramatta Eels powerhouse Joe Ofahengaue. The seasoned forward joins the club with immediate effect on a three-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Leigh Sports Village until the end of the 2028 Super League season.
The move comes at a critical time for the Leopards, who have been actively scouring the NRL market in search of top-tier talent, particularly following the departure of Fiji international Ben Nakubuwai in March and the impending retirement of veteran half-back Matt Moylan. With both salary cap space and an overseas quota slot available, Leigh moved swiftly to bring in the 29-year-old enforcer.
Ofahengaue brings a wealth of experience to the Leopards’ pack. The Auckland-born forward has made over 200 NRL appearances, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Wests Tigers, and most recently, the Parramatta Eels. This season alone, he featured in all of Parramatta’s matches, starting five of them. He is also a seven-time Tonga international and a former Queensland State of Origin representative, showcasing his high-level pedigree.
Head of Rugby Chris Chester hailed the acquisition, saying, “Joe is a massive signing for the club. He brings size, strength, and leadership to our middle unit. Despite his experience, he’s still relatively young, and we believe his best rugby is still ahead of him.”
Head Coach Adrian Lam echoed those sentiments, adding, “Joe is someone I’ve admired for a long time. He’s explosive in both attack and defence, a natural leader, and will bring a whole new level of intensity to our forward pack. His arrival is perfect timing for us and will provide a significant boost to the group.”
Ofahengaue, who made his NRL debut in 2015, is known for his rugged, aggressive playing style and is eager to make an impact at Leigh. He and his family are excited about the move, and he’s ready to win over the Leopards faithful with his hard-hitting performances.
