Forward Ashworth joins Leigh from Castleford

Forward Jack Ashworth has joined Leigh Leopards from Castleford Tigers with immediate effect, signing a contract until the end of the 2028 season.

Samoa international forward Lazarus Vaalepu has gone in the opposite direction, joining Castleford from Leigh on loan for the rest of the season.

Ashworth, 31, joined Cas from Hull FC at the start of the season and made 10 first-team appearances, as well as having a spell on loan at Doncaster.

Ashworth returns to Leigh where he played on loan in 2021 after starting his career with St Helens while he also spent three seasons with Huddersfield Giants.

Leigh director of rugby Andrew Henderson told the club website: "Jack is a tough, experienced player, who knows what it takes at Super League level. He brings physicality and a real team-first mentality."

Vaalepu, 27, joined Leigh halfway through the 2026 season and made four appearances for the Leopards, as well as featuring twice for Oldham on loan.

Castleford director of rugby Chris Chester told the club website: "Lazarus is a big body and someone that moves well. He will give us some much-needed punch through the middle third of the field."