It broke overnight that Melbourne Storm had released forward Aaron Pene to allow him an immediate opportunity with an unnamed club in Super League, and that team has now been revealed as Leigh Leopards.
Per reports from The League Scene Pod Pene will join Leigh Leopards to add depth to their pack and also seemingly serve as one of the major replacements for the likes of NRL-bound Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell for 2025.
Melbourne confirmed that Pene had been released to pursue an opportunity with a Super League side after failing to make an appearance for the Storm so far in 2024.
Rather, he has been representing Sunshine Coast in the Queensland Cup, which has made it easier for him to be released. Director of Football Frank Ponissi has confirmed his departure.
“Although it pained him to let Aaron go at this point in the season, this was too wonderful of an opportunity to miss.
“We wish Aaron the best of luck in the future and know he will bring a lot of value to his new club.”
According to sources, Pene appears to be joining the Leigh Leopards.
Given the amount of confirmed and rumored departures from the club, Leigh Leopards appear to be in for a difficult 2025; but, 2024 hasn’t been great either. Adrian Lam’s team has had a challenging start due to their severe injury struggles.
The Leopards are currently in ninth place, three points behind the Huddersfield Giants, whom they will play today. However, given their present injury woes, Lam’s team should expect another difficult contest. For this reason, Pene’s prompt arrival could be rather helpful.
Still, there’s only one issue. Leigh does not possess a quota space.This implies that the team cannot sign Pene at this time without giving up one of their seven abroad players, and League Scene Pod reports that Fijian forward Ben Nakubuwai will be let go.
The 28-year-old is a very apparent contender to be cut because his contract expires at the end of the year and he hasn’t played for the Leopards in Super League since Round Seven. Strong rumors also surfaced early in the season that he would be leaving the team, putting Leigh in a difficult position once more as they would need to bench a player if their pursuit of David Armstrong proved fruitful.
Unfortunately, the hunt for Armstrong was unsuccessful, but it appears that the same thing is occurring once more, with Nakubuwai appearing to be the club’s scapegoat in order to facilitate Pene’s entrance.
“Melbourne forward Aaron Pene is set to join the Leigh Leopards filling one of the quota spots,” the League Scene Pod announced on X.
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