Laz’s desire to make his Super League debut – potentially against Castleford at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday – was fueled by Leigh’s Magic Weekend victory over Warrington at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Now the former Melbourne Storm grand finalist is aiming to play his part in the new-look Leopards’ quest for a top finish in the regular season rankings.
“I’m available,” the 27-year-old prop said. “I’m just trying to get over the jet lag, but other than that I’m doing really well.
“I’m in good shape and I’m happy to be selected, but it’s up to Lammy (head coach Adrian Lahm).
“If I get to play, I will be full of enthusiasm and will try my best for the team and the guys.”
Samoan international star Va’alepu landed last Friday and joined his new teammates on the Mersey shore 24 hours later.
“It was a top-class performance,” he added of the impressive 24-6 success over second-place Wire.
“They said this was probably the best season this season. So that motivated me to join the team and add what I can bring to the team.”
“And what I can bring is a big body, powerful running, hard work and effort on defense.
“I had a chance to go into the locker rooms and see how they warm up and get to know the guys and how they prepare. The crowd and the atmosphere was crazy.”
Vaalepu signed an 18-month contract with Leopards and said the move took him by surprise.
“It was quick. I tried to find another (NRL) club to go to, but Lee was the one most interested.
“They showed how much they want to be part of the club. But I didn’t think I’d be here so soon.”
“To be honest, I didn’t think about moving here for another few years. I still wanted to play NRL.
“But when it happened, I decided to take it as a leap of faith and be on the top stage again.”
Lee’s fans contributed to a record-breaking Magic Weekend. A total of 82,925 fans watched the seven games, including 5,483 in Castres, where Toulouse Olympique beat Catalans Dragons.
It beat the previous record of 68,276, set at Newcastle’s St James’ Park in 2016, although only six matches took place. As a result, the Magic will return to Hill Dickinson on May 1 and 2, 2027.
Leopards’ latest win was still not enough to lift them into the top six as they remained seventh, two points behind St Helens and Hull KR.
Castleford are ninth and when the teams met last month Leigh were 24-14 winners.
Former Leopards players Liam Hood and Darnell McIntosh are unavailable due to injury.
*Former favorite Lee Kai O’Donnell has been linked with a shock return to LSV next season. He is out of contract with the North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the season and is weighing his options for 2027.