New signing Joey Leilua “excited” to test himself at Featherstone
New Featherstone signing Joey Leilua has said he is excited to test himself in the Championship in 2022.
Leilua joins the Rovers with a wealth of NRL experience under his name. He has made over 200 appearances for Sydney Roosters, Canberra, Newcastle and Wests Tigers.
He is a two-time Dally M Award winning centre, having won the accolade in 2016 and 2018. At the end of 2021, the 29-year-old found himself without a club, after falling out of favour at the Tigers.
His only experience of England has been in the 2013 World Cup. He played for Samoa in their matches against New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and France. He made a try-scoring debut against the Kiwis in Warrington.
In an interview with Rovers TV, Leilua said: “I can’t wait to see my new teammates, and see a new town. I have never been to that part of England before, I have only ever stayed in Warrington.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the new coach Brian (McDermott). I have heard some good things about him, and he’s encouraged me to come over.
“I want to go ahead and prove myself in the UK, and show the other side of the world I am not the type of person everyone thinks I am.
“I’m going to bring aggression, that’s a standard for me, but controlled aggression. But also I want to bring some excitement.
“I wanted to test myself in that league, so it will be exciting.”
Can Leilua help Featherstone reach the Super League?
Leilua is the latest eye-catching signing Featherstone have made ahead of the 2022 season, with former Castleford forward Jesse Sene-Lefao also confirmed.
The club have also announced the signings of Morgan Smith, Ben Hellewell, Matty Wildie, Brandon Pickersgill and Luke Briscoe as they look to go one better in 2022.
Their Championship campaign starts in January, with a Monday trip to York kick-starting their campaign.
Before then, they will take on Leeds and Wakefield at the Millennium Stadium in pre-season friendlies.
Read More: How Featherstone could line-up in 2022