After being granted an early release from the Melbourne Storm to pursue a new opportunity, former NRL forward Aaron Pene has confirmed his next move.
Following weeks of speculation about joining the Leigh Leopards in the Super League, the club has officially announced his arrival and signed him to a two-and-a-half-year contract, lasting until the end of the 2026 season.
Pene began his professional career with the Melbourne Storm in 2020, making 32 NRL appearances for the club and the New Zealand Warriors.
“Aaron Pene is the type of Rugby League player that fits my style perfectly. We’ve been working to bring him in for a while, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with him,” said coach Adrian Lam.
Pene, who played for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels as a junior, is of German and Samoan descent and has recently been playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the QLD Cup.
“This is an excellent signing for the club. I’ve been monitoring him for the last 12 months, and fans should be really excited about this addition,” commented Leopards Head of Rugby Chris Chester. “He’s an explosive and powerful player with NRL experience who can significantly contribute this season and beyond.”
