Leeds beat off competition to sign “world class star” David Fusitu’a
Leeds have signed Tongan winger David Fusitu’a from New Zealand Warriors on a two-year deal.
Fusitu’a, 27, scored 61 tries in 108 games for the Warriors and was the NRL’s top try scorer in 2018.
He scored a hat-trick in Tonga’s famous World Cup win over New Zealand back in 2017.
Rhinos coach Richard Agar said: “We are really excited to have signed David. I think he will be a great addition to our team.
“Undoubtedly, he is a world class talent. You only need to look at his highlights reel and see the spectacular tries he can score to know he will soon become a crowd favourite at the Rhinos.
“In the modern era, it is rare that a player of his ability becomes available for a Super League club. It is a great boost for us to have beaten off competition from a number of clubs to have secured his signature.
“He is still only 27 and, whilst we understand the reasons why he has not played as much football as he would have liked last season, having spoken to him, he is keen to return to his best in a Rhinos shirt.
“He is a player who loves to play with a smile on his face and I know he and his young family are looking forward to being part of the Rhinos family.”
Fusitu’a completes the Rhinos’ overseas quota for the 2022 season. He follows the arrivals of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer from Warrington and Huddersfield respectively.
Matt Prior, Zane Tetevano, Bodene Thompson and Rhyse Martin are Leeds’ other quota players.
David Fusitu’a excited by move
He said: “It is going to be something new and fresh. Me and my family are excited to come over to England.
“Leeds have been a proud and successful club for a long time. I am looking forward to getting over, meeting the boys and starting the hard work with the team.
“I spoke to Richard Agar and you can see how genuine he is and the care he has for the club and his players.
“Leeds play a exciting brand of rugby league and I am excited to come over and be apart of that. As young kids we play Rugby League because, first of all, we love the game.
“For me to come over to the Rhinos, have a smile on my face, train hard and hopefully win plenty of games to give the fans something to cheer about will be special.”
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