A new home for Trout

Owen Trout has a new home in 2024. The former Huddersfield Giant has swapped West Yorkshire for Leigh, joining the high-flying Leopards ahead of the new Betfred Super League season.

The front rower had a disrupted 2023 season - he managed just five league appearances following an injury-ridden campaign which severely inhibited his opportunities on the field.

Now, as he continues to fight his way back to full fitness, Trout is gearing up for a big 2024 season with the reigning Betfred Challenge Cup holders.

"We're a week into pre-season now and I'm loving my time here," Trout, speaking exclusively to Leopards TV, explained.

"With my injury as well, it's been good that I can drip feed myself into training a bit more. When I first signed, I could see straight away that it's a tight knit group and they welcomed me in straight away. I didn't feel like a newcomer after the first few days and have got to know the lads really well."

Despite having one of the smaller squads in Super League, the Leopards defied all expectations in 2023. After gaining promotion from the Betfred Championship, Adrian Lam's team excelled in both league and cup, reaching the Super League Play-Offs alongside a famous golden point win at Wembley to be crowned Challenge Cup winners.

New boy, @trout_owen talks to Leopards TV about his new team mates & his excitement in facing his former team on the opening day of the season.

All while dodging balls being kicked at him by Matt Moylan..

See Owen's interview in full on Leopards TV Tap below
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) December 6, 2023

The Leigh squad has been bolstered by the arrival of players like Trout, as well as former Australia and New South Wales representative Matt Moylan, in a bid to excel even further in 2024.

But, perhaps more importantly, the Leopards have retained their star players from the 2023 season, ensuring the winning culture that has been developed at the club is maintained heading into the new campaign.

"Obviously, you want to have the new faces in, but at the same time you do want to be around the old boys to drive the culture," explained Trout.

Leigh are set to face Trout's former club, Huddersfield, in the opening round of the new season. The game is set to be a baptism of fire for Trout, but it's a challenge he is immensely looking forward to.

"I have a lot of close mates from the club, so it was nice to have a bit of a laugh about it. Hopefully I'll be able to be involved because it's always great to play against your mates.

"At the moment the main focus is on ourselves, but maybe in the new year Adrian [Lam] may start asking me for some information on Huddersfield!"