Kings confirm re-signing of powerful forward

Fresh off winning the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship, the Sydney Kings are now preparing their squad to go back-to-back.

Heading into the NBL27 Free Agency, the Kings had Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway, Kouat Noi and Jason Spurgin all under contract.

Then on Friday, the Harbour City club announced they had activated the third-year option on Tyler Robertson’s deal.

Now Brian Goorjian’s side has unveiled they have re-signed forward Keli Leaupepe, who missed all of the 2025-26 season through an ACL injury, to a new two-year deal, which will keep him at the club until the end of NBL28.

"I’m grateful to be back with the Sydney Kings for another two years," Leaupepe said.

"Last season tested me in many ways, but it also gave me a different perspective on the game and what it takes to win at the highest level.

"I’m excited to give Sydney my all and eager to chase that championship feeling again, this time on the court."

Kings GM of Basketball James Newman said the powerful 25-year-old was a big part of the club’s championship team, despite not setting foot on the floor.

"He showed up every single day and never let the group forget he was one of them,” Leaupepe said.

“When we won, he won. Simple as that."

“If this is the impact he had on the Sydney Kings without stepping on the court, we can't wait to see what happens when he does.”

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