Leigh Leopards forward Owen Trout has publicly addressed speculation surrounding his future, confirming that he has been in talks with a number of clubs both within the Super League and in the NRL as his contract at Leigh approaches its conclusion at the end of the 2026 season. The England international, whose rise under head coach Adrian Lam has made him one of the most coveted forwards in the competition, admitted he is weighing up his options ahead of what could be a defining career move.
At 26 years old, Trout has established himself as a powerful presence in the Leigh pack since joining from Huddersfield Giants in 2024, earning his first cap for England in 2025 following an impressive Super League campaign that saw him recognised at international level. His performances have drawn interest from rival Super League clubs as well as from clubs in Australia’s NRL — a move that would represent a significant step up in both profile and competitive challenge.
Speaking to League Express, Trout was candid about the situation, stressing that while he has received numerous approaches, he remains open to staying at the club that has played a crucial role in his development. “I’ve been in talks with a few places, I’m wanting to get it sorted before the start of the season which I know is coming around quick,” he said. “I’m still open really, I just need to weigh up the options where will be best for me and my missus. Will it be better going somewhere else or staying here?”
Trout’s remarks highlight a measured approach to his next steps. Though links with the southern hemisphere’s elite clubs continue to circulate — including speculation around potential NRL interest — the forward is not rushing into a decision. He noted that his priority is finding the right environment for both his personal and professional life, stressing that he has enjoyed his time at Leigh and would be “definitely open to staying here.”
Leigh coach Adrian Lam is understood to be eager to tie down Trout long-term, alongside other off-contract stars, as part of his plans to maintain the Leopards’ upward trajectory in Super League. The club’s management has made contract renewals a key focus ahead of the new season, with Trout’s situation one of the most closely watched among the 2026 squad’s negotiations.
For many observers, a potential move to the NRL would be a natural progression for Trout, given the pathway enjoyed by several players who have made the switch from Super League to Australia’s premier competition over recent years. The NRL’s higher intensity and exposure often lure top Super League talent, but such transitions come with their own challenges — from relocation and adaptation to differing styles of play — factors that Trout will no doubt consider carefully.
Trout’s contemplation of his future is part of a broader trend in rugby league, with several notable Super League stars entering the final year of their contracts and attracting cross-hemisphere interest. While Leigh are keen to retain their core performers, the tug-of-war between domestic stability and the lure of the world’s toughest league puts players like Trout in a privileged but complex decision-making position.
With the 2026 season fast approaching, Trout’s announcement signals that a decision on his next chapter is imminent. Whether he remains at Leigh or embarks on a fresh challenge abroad, his future will be one of the most intriguing stories in rugby league this year.
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