Brisbane Broncos youngster Israel Leota has reportedly turned his back on rugby league, signing a deal with Super Rugby outfit Moana Pasifika for 2025 in a code switch few saw coming.
The 20-year-old winger, who has been training full-time with the Broncos squad this season, is understood to have been swayed by a strong recruitment pitch from Pasifika coach and former All Black great Tana Umaga.
As per The Courier Mail, Leota was “wildly impressed” with the club’s vision and opted to make the leap to union, a move that could spell the end of his NRL career before it truly began.
Leota becomes the latest backline player confirmed to exit Red Hill at the end of the year, joining Queensland star Selwyn Cobbo in heading out the door.
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Stacked Broncos backline may have influenced decision
Standing at 190cm and tipping the scales at over 100kg, Leota was seen as one of Brisbane’s more physically gifted prospects.
But despite his raw talent, there’s speculation that the club’s backline depth left him questioning his path to first-grade opportunities.
Leota has a multi-code background, having dabbled in union and AFL before settling on league at 16, and his return to rugby now opens a new chapter with Moana Pasifika.
The Auckland-based franchise have struggled for success in recent years but remain a vital part of the Pacific’s professional rugby pathway.