Written by Oliver Kellner-Dunk
David Fusitu’a made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors back in 2014 and has been at the club ever since, playing 108 games for the team based in his home city of Auckland.
However, Fusitu’a will officially be leaving the Warriors and the NRL as the Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they have signed the 27-year-old for season 2022.
Rhinos head coach Richard Agar was ecstatic about the signing in a statement released via Super League’s official website.
“We are really excited to have signed David and I think he will be a great addition to our team,” said Agar.
“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 and it is a great boost for us to have beaten off competition from a number of clubs to have secured his signature.
There has been a great reaction to the signing of David Fusitu'a today, we can't wait to welcome him to Emerald Headingley
➡ Highlights https://t.co/WeuR0gNd4w
➡ Interview https://t.co/RhpCnspXUQ
➡ 2022 memberships https://t.co/NJM0GDiziw pic.twitter.com/OkjlNuGUmR— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) October 18, 2021
“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.”
In 2021, Fusitu’a made just five appearances after suffering a hamstring injury early in the season, followed by a return to New Zealand when suffering from personal issues.
He would also only play six games in 2020 after opting to return to New Zealand while the Warriors were based on Australia’s central coast.
Although, when Fusitu’a has played for the duration of a season, tries usually come in great numbers, with the former Marist Saint scoring 46 tries between 2016 and 2018.
Leeds will certainly be hoping he can return to his try-scoring ways, as the club looks to win their first Super League title since 2017.
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