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John Asiata's suffering pays off as Leigh Leopards ace discusses injury turmoil

John Asiata is Leigh Leopards' captain.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Leigh captain John Asiata has suffered a “lot of drama” this season - but the real show could be just about to begin. The Aussie loose forward leads his side into a mouthwatering play-offs eliminator at Salford tonight.

Given the Leopards were limping along in ninth as recently as July, it’s remarkable they are even in the race for Old Trafford. But a stunning run of ten wins from 12 games has given them a shot at glory and Asiata, who joins Hull in a marquee deal in 2025, is out to make the most of it.

Adrian Lam's side only secured their top-six spot with a tense final night win against St Helens. Often the club who just gets into the play-offs is spent by the time they come to the knockouts.

But the 31 year-old talisman, firing again after an injury-ravaged campaign, insisted: “Over the last 13 weeks if we’d slipped up one game we knew we’d probably not have that opportunity to make the finals. So every game for the last 13 weeks has felt like finals for us. It’s been pretty much do-or-die.

“We’re in a great place at the moment. We’ve struggled all year with injuries but last week was probably the first time we had no one missing since round one. The boys are starting to hit form. And I’m getting confidence back in my body.”

Leigh’s impressive surge has coincided with Asiata’s return to fitness; he played just three games before July. The ex-Brisbane ace, who led Leopards to Challenge Cup glory last season, admitted: “There’s been a lot of dramas this year with my hamstring and calf.

“I ended up having a knee clean-out because of the hamstring. With the knee issue, I knew it was there for the last three years but it never really bothered me. Whereas this year it probably did hinder my performances because of my hamstring and calf. It didn't help with it all being on one leg.

“I had to work hard. But I’m in a really good place now. The last six weeks I’ve grown in confidence and started to back myself more. I’m happy to be playing a role these last 12 games or so. And to get my first try of the season against Saints was great.”

But Salford, who have only lost once at home all year, will be tough opponents especially given their entire first-choice squad was rested last week.

Asiata said: “They are an off-the-cuff team. They’ve a lot of skillful players and guys who can just break games open. We have to make sure we execute. As long as we turn up I know we’re in with a chance.”

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