With the success of the Cronulla Sharks side in 2016, his name did not feature regularly but he was a player that Sharks fans felt offered the side plenty, as Jesse Sene-Lefao departs.
The utility forward will embark on the next chapter in his career, signing a deal with Super League side Castleford.
Playing in a total of 6 games for the Sharks in 2016 and previously at Manly in years prior, the Samoan international will not be alone as he knows several of the players currently at the club.
I’m really excited to be heading to the UK to join Castleford Tigers,” said Sene-Lefao.
“I’m good friends with Ben Roberts and Junior Moors and they’ve both told me such positive stories about the club and how passionate the fans are.”
In the end, the move was one that was right for his family and he is excited to get involved with the club and their pre-season.
“I’m ready now to take my game up to a new level and Castleford sounds perfect for me,” Sene-Lefao said.
“I’m looking forward to playing for a club that plays such a big part in the community and my family and I are looking forward to the experience of moving overseas and getting to know the people of Castleford.
We’re taking a family holiday right now but I can’t wait to make the move and knuckle down and show what I can do in pre-season training.”
Having watched him back from his time at Manly, Castleford coach Daryl Powell is pleased to have Sene-Lefao on board to add some starch to their forward pack.
“I’m delighted that Jesse has agreed to join us. I watched him play two years ago for Manly and I was really impressed with his skill, energy, enthusiasm and determination as a player,” said Powell.
“This year he was in a great environment at the eventual winners of the NRL Cronulla Sharks and I’m sure he’ll bring his great experience as a player to help us as a club achieve our goals.”