Prop Garbutt joins Leeds for season run-in

Leeds have signed prop Mitch Garbutt from Brisbane on a two-and-half-year contract.

Garbutt, 26, will arrive in Leeds this Saturday and begin training with his new team-mates on Monday.

Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said: “We are delighted to welcome Mitch to the club. I have spoken to a number of people in Australia who rate him and the job he can do for a team. 

“He is someone I have been looking at for some time and I think his style of play will fit well within our team and the Super League competition. 

“Obviously we are losing some size from our pack next season and had hoped to get Mitch in for 2016 however to be able to bring him in now so he can get settled into life over here in Super League is an added bonus especially with big games all the way between now and the end of the season.”

The former Melbourne front-rower moved to Brisbane in the off-season, despite attracting the attention of five other NRL clubs, but has now secured a release by the Queensland club.

Garbutt said: “I was very excited when the opportunity came up to sign with such a great club as Leeds.

“I think the style of the game in Super League will complement my natural game, hopefully I can contribute to the team in any way I can. 

“My wife Ruth and I are really excited about starting a new chapter in our lives along with our 12-week-old son Jordan. We can’t wait to land on Saturday and get settled into life in Leeds.”