Ben Nakubuwai, the Fiji Bati representative, has departed from the Leigh Leopards, a club in the English rugby league, and is heading back to Australia effective immediately. The 28-year-old forward joined the Leopards in May 2022, during which he made a significant impact by appearing in 44 matches and scoring three tries.
Chris Chester, the Head of Rugby at Leigh, expressed gratitude towards Nakubuwai, stating, “We thank Ben for his services and wish him well in the future.” He highlighted Nakubuwai’s key contributions to the team’s promotion from the Championship and the victory in the Challenge Cup of 2023, emphasizing that his name will be remembered in the club’s history.
Before his tenure at Leigh, Nakubuwai played with the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League and had two fruitful seasons with Salford Red Devils from 2018 to 2019, where he played a crucial role in leading the team to its first Super League Grand Final. His departure has sparked rumors linking him back to the NRL, suggesting potential opportunities on the horizon.
Reflecting on Nakubuwai’s journey, it is notable that he joins a growing list of Fijian players making significant moves within the rugby league landscape, further demonstrating the talent and potential that Fijian athletes possess in the sport. This transition not only marks an exciting new chapter for Nakubuwai but also signals possibilities for his career growth in the NRL.
In summary, Nakubuwai’s move back to Australia may open new doors for him and serves as an encouraging reminder of the ongoing opportunities for rugby players transitioning between international leagues.
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