Leigh Leopards have strengthened their squad for the Super League playoff run by signing Samoa international prop Lazarus Vaalepu from NRL side Melbourne Storm.
The 27-year-old forward joins the club for the remainder of the 2026 season, arriving ahead of the final 11 regular-season matches.
>>> Democratic socialists need to do more than win in big US cities
Rapid Rise in Australia
Vaalepu made a swift impact in the NRL, featuring for Melbourne in the 2024 Grand Final during just his seventh first-grade appearance for the Storm.
His move to Leigh adds depth and physicality to the forward pack as the Leopards aim for a top-six finish.
Leigh director of rugby Andrew Henderson expressed excitement about the acquisition on the club's official website.
>>> Severe Storms and Heatwaves Threaten Midwest and Northeast Regions
"We're really excited to bring Lazarus to Leigh," Henderson said.
He highlighted the attributes Vaalepu will bring to the team.
>>> Lizzo's Album Sales Plummet Amid Ongoing Dancer Lawsuit
"He's a player with genuine presence, power, and punch, giving us a real point of difference within our middle unit," Henderson added.
