LEIGH Leopards have signed PNG international forward Jacob Alick-Wiencke on a three-year contract until the end of the 2028 season.
The 25-year-old has played for Gold Coast Titans in the NRL in each of the last three seasons and has extensive experience in the Queensland Cup.
He joins the PNG connection at the Leopards Den alongside international team-mates Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape and head coach Adrian Lam.
Speaking from his home in Australia, Jacob said: “I’ve been watching how the boys have gone these past few weeks and I’m excited to be joining the Leopards.
“I’m close mates with Lokie and have been talking to him for the past two months. I’ve watched the past few games and it’s amazing to see the packed crowds and the atmosphere at the games.
“This is a great opportunity for me to progress my career and move up to the next stage.
“I’ve been on the fringe in Australia and not had a consistent run of NRL games. I’ve been 18th man about six times and it’s been a frustrating season. When I’m playing my best footy I feel I’m good enough to get in the NRL side.
“I’ve known Adrian a long time and been on a few camps with him. He tried to get me to come after the last World Cup and now I‘m ready to take a big step forward in my career.”
Jacob explained his connection with PNG, a country he’s now represented ten times on the international stage.
“My late grandmother comes from PNG and I’m proud to represent her heritage,” he said. “My family links are in the Torres Strait Islands which are between PNG and Australia.
“It’s an awesome feeling to represent PNG. The passion for Rugby League is something else, it’s crazy, and the players are treated like royalty.
“I see that same passion for the game and the team at Leigh Leopards and I can’t wait to get over for pre-season and start my new adventure.”
Leopards head coach Adrian Lam said: “I have known Jacob for a long time. He is a player that has a lot of potential, X Factor and is very skilful. He is a big body, powerful with a great offload. “Off the back of this, he is a good person and he will fit into our group perfectly.
“Adding Jacob to our squad shows our intention, commitment and purpose on building our squad to the next level .”
Leigh Leopards CEO Neil Jukes said: “We are excited that Jacob is joining the Leopards and that he sees this move as a big step forward in his career. “I’d like to thank Jacob’s Manager Luke Lavelle for his work on helping make this signing happen. We look forward to Jacob arriving soon and becoming part of our Famileigh.”
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