Surprise Announcement: John Asiata Joins Hull FC on Marquee Deal
In a move that has shaken the rugby league world, Hull FC has secured the services of Leigh Leopards forward John Asiata on a three-year, marquee contract starting in 2024. The announcement of this high-profile transfer has sparked a furious reaction from Leigh owner Derek Beaumont, who has questioned the “standards and conduct” of Hull FC.
Beaumont expressed his displeasure with the timing and manner of the announcement, claiming that Asiata had been “thrown under the bus” and that the release of the news was not pre-agreed with Leigh. The Leigh owner also took issue with the use of an image showing Asiata holding the Challenge Cup aloft with the Leopards.
“Asiata was a bit upset about not having the announcement on his own terms, and Leigh will ensure any future announcements involving their players are done in conjunction with the interested club.”
- Derek Beaumont, Leigh Owner
Asiata, the Leigh captain, has since released a statement apologizing to the club’s fans, revealing that he was “upset” by the way the news was broken. Beaumont provided further insight, stating that Asiata was “a bit upset” about not having the announcement on his own terms, and assured that Leigh will ensure any future announcements involving their players are done in conjunction with the interested club.
Despite the controversy, Leigh fans have been accepting of Asiata’s statement, in which he acknowledged that he had “agreed the comments could be used” but was unaware that the release of the announcement had not been agreed upon between Leigh and Hull.
In a lighter note, Beaumont also issued a hands-off warning to Hull FC, joking that the club should not attempt to poach Leeto, the Leopards’ iconic mascot, as he is a “big part of the club” and valued at a considerable cost.
As the rugby league community continues to buzz with this high-profile transfer, fans eagerly await the 2024 season to see how Asiata will perform in the iconic Hull FC jersey.
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