Kai O'Donnell returns to the Leopards

The Leopards announce the return of Kai O’Donnell, who will rejoin them ahead of the 2027 Super League season following his spell in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys.

O’Donnell, 27, returns to the Leopards after making 77 appearances and scoring 31 tries during his previous spell at the club, becoming an integral part of the team that lifted the Challenge Cup in 2023 and reached the Super League play-offs in both 2023 and 2024.

Having first signed for the Leopards in April 2022, Kai quickly established himself as one of the most popular and respected members of the Leigh squad, with his performances, professionalism and commitment making a lasting impression on everyone associated with the club.

His departure to the NRL following the 2024 season was a significant moment for the Leopards. During his time in Australia, Kai made 25 appearances for North Queensland Cowboys across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Now, he returns to the Leopards Den, reuniting with Head Coach Adrian Lam and a club that has continued to go from strength to strength during his time away.

Speaking on his return to the Leopards, Kai said:

“It’s such a great moment for me to be coming back to Leigh Leopards. I made no secret of the fact that it was a really difficult decision to leave. I love the club, the fans and the town.

“When the opportunity came to rejoin, I jumped at the chance and I can’t wait to get back home.

“Lammy is a coach I have the utmost respect and admiration for. He’s really developed me as a player, and I think my time in the past under him has brought out my best football. I’m looking forward to coming back, reaching another level under him and helping the team do the same.

“I always kept an eye out for Leigh while I was in Australia, and it’s been amazing to see them grow and grow. Last time I joined Leigh, they were a Championship club. This time, they’re Super League play-off regulars, and hopefully we can turn that into silverware at the end of the season.

“I want you all to know that I saw almost all of the messages on social media about the opportunity of me coming back, and it was very humbling to see. I love this town; my daughter was born here.

“I’m coming back determined to give you all something back for your support.”

Head Coach Adrian Lam expressed his delight at welcoming Kai back to the Leopards, highlighting the impact he made both on and off the field during his previous spell.

“I’ve got goosebumps. I know that, in his time here, he certainly touched the whole town, all of our fans and all of the squad.

“For me personally, he brought a lot of professionalism to the group. I’m very, very excited. He’s the type of player that can single-handedly lift the club and the team.

“I was broken-hearted when he left. We’re always broken-hearted when a player leaves the team, but Kai was just a different level because of his professionalism around the place.

“He’s one of those players who trains when he’s injured, plays when he’s injured and doesn’t want to miss a training session. That’s now a standard we’ve set here as a club.

“As a player, he’s just the ultimate professional. He runs lines, scores tries, and everything he gives is at 100%. He’s a hungry player who competes at every level.

“His presence back in that Leopards jersey for 2027 certainly excites everyone around the town.”