LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Brisbane Broncos have faced a significant setback with the departure of rookie sensation Israel Leota, who is leaving rugby league to join Super Rugby team Moana Pasifika.
Reports from zerotackle.com indicate that after negotiations with coach Tana Umaga, Leota decided to switch codes, becoming one of the notable departures for the Broncos in 2025, alongside fellow player Selwyn Cobbo.
At just 20 years old, Leota is an imposing figure, standing at 190cm and weighing over 100kg.
His decision to leave comes as a surprise, especially since he was training with the Broncos' full-time squad this year.
Speculation suggests that Leota may have opted to make the move because of the Broncos' robust backline depth, which could have made it challenging for him to secure a spot in the team.
Leota is not new to the world of competitive sports; he has experience playing in rugby, rugby league, and AFL before ultimately committing to rugby league at age 16.
This transition marks a significant moment for both Leota and the Broncos, impacting the team's future prospects.