The Leigh Leopards have officially verified the recruitment of Aaron Pene from the Melbourne Storm, revealing the worst-kept secret in Super League. On May 24, this year, Pene was given an immediate release by the Storm, who said he was going to accept an offer from an English Super League team.
Pene made his debut in round 20 of the following year against St George Illawarra, having joined Melbourne midway through the 2019 campaign. He rejoined the Storm in early 2023 on a two-year contract after playing the entire 2022 season with the New Zealand Warriors. Over the course of five years, he has participated in 32 NRL games.
Ben Nakubuwai’s departure, who signed a one-year loan with Featherstone Rovers, made Pene’s move to Leigh possible. Due to Nakubuwai’s exit, Pene was able to join the Leopards on a quota berth.