From NRL to Super Rugby: Israel Leota makes bold move, signs with Moana Pasifika

Brisbane Broncos winger Israel Leota is set to leave the NRL powerhouse to pursue his dream in rugby union after signing a multi-year deal with Moana Pasifika, starting in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Standing at 190cm and weighing 101kg, the Porirua-born speedster is part of the Broncos' top 30 squad, which is preparing for the NRL preliminary finals against the Panthers in Brisbane this weekend.

Leota also represented the Queensland Under-19 State of Origin side in 2023 and 2024.

The 20-year-old wants to return to his rugby union roots to explore new opportunities. Captivated by the spirit of Moana Pasifika, he signed a contract for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

"I've been watching from afar, and I can see the environment that the team has created. It looks infectious. It looks like it's a great place to be around," Leota says.

"It is also a really good opportunity for me to come over and have a crack at the game that I grew up in and have loved for a long time."

Having moved to Australia at a young age, Leota attended Ipswich Grammar School, switching between rugby league and union before fully committing to league at the age of 16.

This year, Leota has been playing for the Karmichael Hunt-coached Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup. Leota finished the regular season ranked second in the competition for tries scored and linebreaks made.

"The honours that Israel has reached already show what a talented young player he is," Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga says.

"We have been tracking him for a while and are really excited that he has decided to come back to his roots in terms of footy and culture."

Israel Leota joins Moana Pasifika for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby seasons. Photo/Supplied/Moana Pasifika