Kai O’Donnell’s exit from Leigh Leopards has been confirmed – with the forward signing a two-year deal to return to the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys in 2025.
O’Donnell has become one of Super League’s most consistent and impressive forwards since joining Leigh in 2022. He helped the Leopards win promotion back to the top-flight in his first season with the club, and has continued to contribute to Leigh’s upward trajectory of recent years
Heavily linked with a return to the NRL for weeks, his time in Super League will now officially come to an end later this year after agreeing a deal to sign with the Cowboys.
It marks a return to O’Donnell’s junior club for the forward, who began in the North Queensland academy before signing for Canberra Raiders in 2020. He made four appearances for the Raiders before joining Leigh.
“Kai will add depth and experience to our back row stocks,” Cowboys General Manager Micheal Luck said.
“It’s always great to bring a North Queenslander home. Kai was part of our Academy in the same class as Reuben Cotter and has always been a highly talented player.
“We believe he will be a fantastic addition to our squad for 2025 and beyond.”
With O’Donnell’s departure imminent, Leigh will have another important slot to fill in their team for 2025. Additionally, it clears up a slot for the Leopards, who are gearing up for a rather major off-season rebuild after losing several important players.
To give the Leopards a lift in the middle of the season, they are anticipated to announce the signing of Melbourne Storm prop Aaron Pene as early as this week. Pene will be joining on a contract for both this year and the following.
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