Roughyeds land Lazarus Vaalepu

Roughyeds have moved fast to bring in NRL Grand Finalist prop Lazarus Vaalepu on an initial one-week loan deal from Leigh Leopards.

The Samoan played for Melbourne Storm in the 2024 NRL Grand Final and made 11 appearances in Australia’s top-flight.

Vaalepu, before his move to the UK, had been playing for Storm’s reserve side in the NSW Cup, where he averaged 100+ running metres per game and a 96% tackle efficiency.

He has represented Samoa on two occasions during the test Series against England in 2024.

The 27-year-old signed for the Leopards at the end of June and has featured in each of their last four games, coming off the bench.

Penrith-born Vaalepu bolsters the Roughyeds pack and is in contention to make his debut against Sheffield at Boundary Park this weekend.

“We’re delighted to bring in Lazarus,” said head coach Alan Kilshaw.

We’ve been a little light on middle forwards over the last few weeks, so the timing of the move is really good for us.

He’ll add size, energy and competition to the squad at an important stage of the season.

We’d like to thank Leigh Leopards for their support in making the deal happen, and we’re looking forward to working with Lazarus.”