Kruise Leeming makes winning start to life in the NRL

Drew Darbyshire
Kruise Leeming, Gold Coast Titans.

Photo: Gold Coast Titans

It was a good start to life in the NRL for Kruise Leeming, who helped Gold Coast Titans grind out a 20-18 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.

The 27-year-old hooker completed his move Down Under earlier this month after leaving Super League giants Leeds.

And on Sunday he played his first game in the NRL, coming off the bench to help the Titans beat the Dragons.

It was a steady debut from Leeming, playing 30 minutes in his stint. He made 37 run metres from his three dummy half runs as well as making 39 passes and 12 tackles.

The win sees the Titans move to sixth in the NRL ladder, with Justin Holbrook’s side having won three from five games this season.

Kruise Leeming excited to work with Titans boss Justin Holbrook

The Eswatini-born dummy half says he can’t wait to play under Super League-winning coach Justin Holbrook at Gold Coast.

47-year-old Holbrook spent three seasons in England with Saints, winning the 2019 Grand Final over Salford before returning to Australia as head coach of the Titans ahead of 2020.

In his first interview with the club, Leeming told the Gold Coast Titans website: “I know of his (Holbrook) accolades and what he achieved in Super League, and how highly he is regarded as a coach and how smart he is.

“I knew of him, we had spoken in passing on the field. But I wouldn’t say I knew him as a person.

“His tactics and the certain way he coaches, that’s something as a hooker that really appeals to me. I can’t wait to work with him.

“I’ve heard he’s a challenging coach and challenges you in the right ways that makes you be a better player and that’s exactly what I want.

“I’m in that stage in my career now where I want to keep improving, I want to keep learning.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and working with Justin.”

READ NEXT: Kruise Leeming could be tempted to join either of these Super League teams in 2024

NRL Gold Coast Titans