The Leigh Leopards are in the midst of a major rebuild, with a number of their biggest names set to leave the club at the end of the 2025 season. The Super League club looked set to pull off a major coup, with the signing of David Armstrong from the Newcastle Knights.
Reports in Australia suggested that, despite the offer of a contract from the Knights, Armstrong was set to turn down the deal, to take up an offer from the Leopards instead. Leigh had reportedly offered him a better financial package than the Knights, for three years. Whereas, the deal with the Knights would only run to the end of 2026.
With the likes of John Asiata, Tom Amone and Kai O’Donnell confirmed to be leaving the club, and Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele and Oliver Holmes all also reportedly potentially leaving, Leigh need to bring in new signings to be competitive in 2025.
However, it now appears there has been another twist in their pursuit of Armstrong.
The Australian Daily Telegraph now claims that Leigh has suffered a serious setback in their search for Armstrong. It had been reported that Leigh had prevailed in the struggle to sign Armstrong; however, it now seems the Knights are looking for ways to retain the flyer at their facility.
Armstrong appeared to have reached an extension agreement with the Knights, but he reportedly reached a contract after doing a stunning U-turn. The Knights seem to be debating whether or not they can keep Armstrong to his contract right now. According to the report:
The transfer of David Armstrong to Super League team Leigh is on hold while Newcastle decides whether to extend the teenage fullback’s contract.
“Armstrong has verbally committed to continue with the Knights for the next two seasons. He has performed admirably in the absence of the injured Kalyn Ponga in recent weeks.
LEIGH LEOPARDS Significant change in Leigh Leopards’ plan to sign a big name David Armstrongby McHugh Robert June 14, 2024
Leigh Panthers David Armstrong
Many of the Leigh Leopards’ most well-known players are expected to depart the team at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, sparking a massive rebuilding effort. With the acquisition of David Armstrong from the Newcastle Knights, the Super League team appeared poised to pull off a historic coup.
According to reports from Australia, Armstrong was expected to decline the Knights’ contract offer in favor of accepting one from the Leopards. It was said that Leigh had extended a three-year financial offer to him that was more favorable than the Knights’. But the agreement with the Knights would
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