rising Broncos Star Israel Leota Switches Codes too Rugby Union
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Highly-rated young winger Israel Leota is set to depart the brisbane Broncos, opting to switch codes and pursue a career in rugby union. the 20-year-old is reportedly on the verge of signing with Super Rugby team Moana Pasifika,marking a significant shift for the promising talent.
Israel Leota’s Rugby League Journey
Before committing to rugby league, Leota showcased his athletic versatility by participating in union and Australian rules football during his formative years. His potential was evident when he earned a spot in Queensland’s under-19s squad in 2023.
Standing tall at 190 centimetres and weighing 101 kilograms, Israel Leota proved a formidable force on the field. His try-scoring ability was particularly notable, with 18 tries in 21 appearances for the Souths Logan Magpies, the Broncos’ feeder club. This performance placed him in contention for an NRL debut, and he featured in the Broncos’ trial match against Burleigh Bears earlier this year.
Did You Know? Rugby union participation in Australia has seen a resurgence, with junior participation rates increasing by 15% in the last year, according to the Australian Rugby Union.
Source: Supplied
Blocked Path and New Opportunities
Despite Selwyn Cobbo’s impending departure from the Broncos, Leota faced stiff competition for a first-grade spot. The presence of Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani, coupled with the arrival of Grant Anderson, further complex his chances.
Instead of pursuing his aspirations in rugby league, Israel Leota is now set to embark on a new chapter in New Zealand Rugby, joining Moana Pasifika.
Perth Bears Eye Bulldogs star Jacob Preston
In other news,Jacob Preston,an emerging talent with the Bulldogs,has caught the attention of Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. Meninga believes the back rower would be an ideal addition to the Western Australian club.
Adding to Meninga’s interest is Preston’s history as a North Sydney Bears junior,creating a valuable link to the club’s heritage.
Pro Tip: Clubs frequently enough look for players with strong ties to their community or junior programs to build a loyal fan base and foster a sense of belonging.
“He’s certainly on my radar, no doubt. He is a great player. I’m a fan of Jacob and being a Norths junior doubles our interest,” Meninga told sources.
Preston’s current contract with the Bulldogs extends until the end of 2027,meaning the Bears would need to secure an early release to acquire him for their inaugural season.
Negotiations with Preston can commence from november 1,2026,unless an earlier agreement is reached.
Source: Facebook
Preston’s Impressive Credentials
Despite having only 48 NRL games under his belt, Preston has already achieved significant milestones. In 2023, he was honored with the Bulldogs’ rookie of the year and player of the year awards. Furthermore, he earned a spot in the Blues’ 20-man squad for game II.
Meninga has long admired the 23-year-old, even considering him for the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships last year.
“he was injured but I did ask about Jake when coaching Australia last year. He was certainly in the picture but regrettably he wasn’t available,” Meninga said.
“I don’t know him that well but from what I have seen and heard, he is very impressive and his best years are ahead of him. If he is a leader then that’s fantastic and I have heard he’s a fantastic person.”
Key Player Stats
| Player | Current Team | Potential New Team | Contract End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel Leota | Brisbane Broncos | Moana Pasifika | N/A |
| Jacob Preston | Canterbury Bulldogs | Perth Bears (Potential) | 2027 |
What impact will Israel Leota’s move have on Moana Pasifika’s performance? How will Jacob Preston’s potential transfer affect the perth Bears’ inaugural season?
Evergreen Insights
The movement of players between rugby league and rugby union is a recurring theme in Australian and New Zealand sports. Athletes often switch codes to pursue better opportunities,higher salaries,or a different style of play. this trend highlights the competitive nature of professional sports and the strategic decisions players make to advance their careers.
FAQ
What is Super Rugby?
super Rugby is a professional men’s rugby union club competition involving teams from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It is one of the premier rugby union competitions in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is the significance of feeder clubs in NRL?
Feeder clubs play a crucial role in the NRL by developing young talent and providing a pathway for players to progress to the first-grade level. These clubs often have close affiliations with NRL teams,allowing for the seamless transition of promising players.
How do contract negotiations work in the NRL?
NRL contract negotiations typically involve agents, club representatives, and players. Contracts can be multi-year agreements, and players are frequently enough able to negotiate with other clubs in the final year of their contract, subject to NRL rules and regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
