Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has rubbished rumours that Samoa star Francis Molo is heading to the club in 2027.

Beaumont has himself admitted that he and the club are working on a deal that will see a “marquee middle” arrive at the Leopards’ Den next season, but he has strongly dismissed any notion that it will be Molo arriving through the door.

The 32-year-old represented Samoa at the World Cup this year, playing in all four matches for Ben Gardiner’s side. However, he is under contract at his current club, the Dolphins, for both the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with his latest extension coming in June this year.

Rumours of Molo to Leigh emerged on Sunday evening, UK time, from senior NRL journalist The Mole before they were quickly dismissed by the player’s agent, Wade Rushton. The Mole then reacted, calling Rushton a “compulsive liar,” having done the same about players in the past.

The back-and-forth has since attracted the attention of Leopards owner Beaumont, who has clarified what is happening between the club and the player.

“I can confirm that this is a complete inaccuracy by [The Mole]  and that it is also disrespectful to state that Francis’ manager, Wade, is a compulsive liar,” Beaumont said on X, formerly Twitter.

“I am certainly out here attempting to add an additional middle of high calibre, and there is no doubt that Francis would fit that bill and would be a player we would certainly have an immediate interest in if he was available.

“That said, I have never met Francis or his manager Wade prior, or during, my visit, nor have I spoken to either of them.”

Beaumont went on to state how Molo was never a player he targeted given his current contract status. Given the fact he would be 34 by the end of his remaining deal, the Leigh owner said he wouldn’t be someone the club would be interested in.

Beaumont then later added: “As for Francis to Leigh, well, there would have to be a Father Christmas for this to come true.”

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