Leigh Leopards star joins new club ahead of 2024 campaign
Leigh Leopards have confirm Aaron Smith has joined Barrow Raiders on a permanent basis.
Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Aaron was one of my first signings when I came to the club and has been a fantastic servant to the club. Barrow presented Aaron with an opportunity which meant more playing time which is something we couldn’t guarantee here this season, so we have allowed Aaron to make this move for his career.”
Aaron Smith first played for the club on dual registration from St Helens in 2019. He earned heritage number 1477. Later that season, he played in Saints’ 23-6 win over Salford Red Devils at Old Trafford, earning a coveted Super League Grand Final winner’s ring.
He rejoined the club in 2022 and played a vital role in their hugely successful season, scoring ten tries in 32 games. He played in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final victory over Featherstone Rovers at Tottenham Hotspur and in the Championship Grand Final defeat of Batley Bulldogs which earned the club a place back in Super League.
Throughout his career, Aaron Smith has scored 28 tries in 96 games, including 11 tries in 39 Leigh appearances. He has been on the losing side in only five of those 39 games.
Leigh Leopards squad
The Leigh Leopards have recently unveiled their squad for the upcoming 2024 Betfred Super League season. The team has assigned the Number 6 shirt to Matt Moylan, an Australian international halfback.
Interestingly, his debut for the Leopards will also mark his 200th career appearance. The squad consists of 31 players, which includes 16 internationals. Together, they have made over 4,000 career appearances, scoring 1,278 tries. Josh Charnley, who is starting his testimonial year, is close to achieving a career milestone as he has scored 291 tries.
Tom Briscoe and Zak Hardaker have scored 214 and 146 tries, respectively. Additionally, the squad includes six newcomers: Owen Trout, Ben McNamara, Lewis Baxter, Louis Brogan, Jack Darbyshire, and Kavan Rothwell. The Leopards are hoping to kick on in 2024 and could still add to their squad.
