Derek Beaumont, the owner of Leigh Leopards, disclosed that the team had recruited a player from Castleford Tigers for the 2025 season.
Clubs have been free to negotiate with rival teams and players whose contracts are about to expire since the May 1st deadline, which Beaumont went on to call a myth and “pointless.” In this case, that is what has transpired.
This has already been demonstrated by Hull FC’s shocking three-year contract signing of Leigh Leopards captain John Asiata, which startled many Super League supporters.
Speaking to a group of supporters in the club’s hospitality suite prior to Leigh Leopards’ match against Castleford Tigers, Beaumont addressed the May 1st misconception, stating: “The deadline on May 1st is actually a completely pointless thing.” At our most recent meeting, as teams, owners, and CEOs, we all decided that we should just get rid of that and it’s fair game.
“Anyone may begin bargaining once a player enters the final year of their contract because that’s what always occurs.
“Having a rule that makes it appear like you’re breaking it is strange, yet not breaking it puts you at a disadvantage.
“Well, that deadline has been somewhat lifted, but it was something to strive for in order for Chezzie, the Director of Rugby (Chris Chester), to finish player development. Other teams have signed players, and we have signed players that we haven’t yet disclosed.”
In that speech, he would attack Hull FC for their “desperate” move to sign Asiata and their actions leading up to it.
The owner of Leigh Leopards then mentioned the distinctions between Hull FC’s strategy and Leigh’s, revealing that the team had signed a player from Craig Lingard’s Castleford Tigers for 2025.
Although Beaumont stopped short of revealing the player’s identity, there have been persistent whispers that the player is forward Brad Martin. The report from Rugby League Live indicates that Martin has committed to a 2025 contract, lending even more weight to the rumours.
The player who was signed from Castleford has not yet been made public by the team, he explained, as it is customary to do so.The company stays confidential; if it is disclosed, like it was with John Asiata, you don’t address, acknowledge, or remark on it.
It was recently revealed that John Asiata has joined Hull FC. This season, the club has added a number of new players following a reorganisation of its recruitment squad, which included the hiring of Richie Myler as Director of Rugby.
Beaumont expressed his opinion on this matter, saying, “To see John thrown under the bus by the club he’s going to go to, which is what Hull FC have done in my opinion by putting that picture of him out holding the cup, with words that “I think have been provided by his agent rather than him. It’s not really good behaviour at all.” He continued, saying he was “staggered” by the reported wages that Asiata will earn during his time at the MKM Stadium.
