Leigh Leopards have completed the immediate mid-season signing of Melbourne Storm prop forward Lazarus Vaalepu. The 27-year-old Samoan international joins the club effective June 30, 2026.
The move fills Leigh's tenth and final overseas quota spot. Vaalepu will arrive in the United Kingdom after his visa and relocation arrangements are finalized.
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Vaalepu's Background and Impact
Vaalepu has made 12 top-grade NRL appearances since his debut in 2024. He featured from the bench in Melbourne's 2024 Grand Final loss to Penrith Panthers.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 119 kilograms, Vaalepu recently played 11 games for Melbourne's NSW Cup reserve side, scoring one try.
He also earned two test caps for Samoa during their 2024 tour of England.
Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson expressed excitement about the signing.
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"He's a player with genuine presence, power, and punch, giving us a real point of difference within our middle unit," Henderson said.
Henderson added that Vaalepu is "humble, driven to succeed" and believes he can grow under head coach Adrian Lam in Super League.
The recruitment aims to bolster Leigh's pack for a top-six finish.
The signing also addresses future squad changes.
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Vaalepu will initially compete with Joe Ofahengaue and eventually help replace departing forwards Robbie Mulhern and Owen Trout, who leave at the end of the 2026 season.
