Leeds Rhinos have secured the signing of David Fusitu'a on a two-year contract.
The Rhinos overcame late interest from Catalans Dragons to secure the services of the Tonga international, who became a household name after topping the try charts in the NRL back in 2018.
Fusitu'a, a winger, has scored 61 tries in 108 NRL games and was part of one the most memorable moments in rugby league's recent history as he scored a hat-trick in Tonga's 2017 World Cup victory over New Zealand.
He becomes Leeds' fourth signing in an impressive recruitment drive alongside James Bentley, Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin.
Crucially, the Rhinos have managed to sign the speedster on a significantly reduced deal. Fusitu'a was due to be on a fee in the region of £300,000 for the next two seasons but his previous club, New Zealand Warriors, will pay a substantial chunk of his salary.
Commenting on the move, he said: “It is going to be something new and fresh," he said.
"Me and my family are excited to come over to England. Leeds have been a proud and successful club for a long time and 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 an exciting brand of rugby league and I am excited to come over and be a part 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.”
Fusitu’a takes Leeds' final overseas spot for 2022 and their recruitment is now highly likely to be finished. Rhinos coach Richard Agar would like to add a middle to his squad but outgoings will be required to clear cap space.
Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added: “I think this is great news for Rhinos fans and for the Betfred Super League. David is one of the rugby league’s most exciting players and will certainly add some speed and class to next seasons Rhinos squad.
"I believe our overseas cohort are the strongest we have had for many years and show the careful management of our group to bring in world class talent to develop and work alongside our outstanding crop of young players coming through our own development pathway.”
