Captain John Asiata still has a big role to play in Leigh’s season despite his latest injury and future move to Hull FC.

That’s the belief of coach Adrian Lam who admits concerns over contracts might have had an unsettling effect on other members of his squad.

Asiata will join the Black and Whites on a three-year deal with team mate Oli Holmes also now linked with a switch to west Hull.

On the flip side Leopards are rumoured to be keen on Castleford’s Brad Martin and Luke Yates of Huddersfield.

“Good on him,” said Lam of Asiata’s reported lucrative deal. “This may be the last contract of his career.

“We made a play for him and weren’t up for him. He has made a decision but the club will survive long after John has gone.

“However, he has brought great joy to this town,” added Lam.

“What he has done is nothing short of sensational. And he still has a job to do.

“There were a lot of players off contract a couple of weeks ago. That can be disturbing to a group.

“John being the captain maybe played a part in some mind sets. We have addressed that very clearly on what we need to do as a group moving forward.

“The more they know about the situation, the quicker they understand it. I was just honest with them.

“As human beings once you have clarity and you have the information you can make smart decisions. We are in a good place with that.”

In the drama of Asiata’s news, 10-try Umyla Hanley’s new two-year deal went under the radar. As did Tom Nisbet’s two-week loan switch to Widnes for whom he made his debut in Vikings’ 16-14 win over Doncaster last Sunday.