Former NRL star John Asiata finds new home with Leigh Centurions in England

Almost a week after he was released by the Bulldogs without playing a game for them, John Asiata has received a rugby league lifeline.

John Asiata has found a new home after leaving the Bulldogs. Picture: NRL Imagery

After he was released by the Canterbury Bulldogs without playing a game for them due to his reluctance to receive a Covid-19 vaccination, John Asiata has found a new home in the form of English club Leigh Centurions.

Asiata signed a one-year deal with the Bulldogs on September 15 after a season with the Brisbane Broncos, but hadn’t even had a chance to train with the squad before the club axed him.

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The 28-year-old is the first NRL player to be cut loose due to their vaccination stance, but his time as a free agent barely lasted over a week before he was handed a lifeline by the English team.

The Centurions won just two games out of 22 in the 2021 Super League season, condemning them to relegation to the Championship.

With his immediate future locked in, Asiata was pleased to have overcome “a long and tough couple of months” as he makes the overseas switch for the first time in his career.

“I just want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity,” Asiata said.

“It’s been a long and tough couple of months, but I’m excited for this next challenge and the journey ahead with my family and to be part of this proud club.

John Asiata signed with English team Leigh Centurions. Picture: NRL photos

“I know that the boys are going to be giving it their all and are working hard in training to be the best they can be, to make sure we can put in the performances week in and week out.

“I’m excited to be able to put on the jersey, to represent you all and to run out to a loud, cheering crowd.”

Centurions head of rugby Chris Chester revealed a number of Super League clubs were in the race to secure Asiata’s signature and was ecstatic to have snapped up “one of the final pieces in the jigsaw”.

“It is not often that such a quality player becomes available on the market,” Chester said.

“Adrian (Lam, Centurions head coach) found out about John’s availability and acted quickly.

“There were lots of clubs in the Super League and Championship chasing his signature and so to persuade John that his future lay at Leigh Centurions was a real team effort.

“John is a really good fit for the club; one of the final pieces in the jigsaw.

“He is primarily a lock but can play halfback or on the edge. He’s got versatility and he’s a good ball player, so he will be an excellent link between the forwards and both edges.”