David Fusitu'a: Leeds Rhinos set to sign Warriors' New Zealand and Tonga winger

Leeds Rhinos are set to complete the signing for Test winger David Fusitu'a from New Zealand NRL club Warriors.
By Peter Smith
Published 17th Oct 2021, 12:45 BST
Updated 17th Oct 2021, 14:42 BST
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The 27-year-old has played international rugby league for New Zealand and Tonga.

He is under contract to Warriors until the end of 2023, but a report on New Zealand news website Stuff says he has been granted permission to move on and has agreed a deal with Rhinos.

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Fusitu'a made his NRL debut in 2014 and is Warriors' longest-serving player, having scored 61 tries in 108 appearances.

David Fusitu'a makes a high catch for Warriors against Gold Coast Titans in an NRL clash in March. Picture by David Neilson/www.photosport.nz/SWpix.com.David Fusitu'a makes a high catch for Warriors against Gold Coast Titans in an NRL clash in March. Picture by David Neilson/www.photosport.nz/SWpix.com.
David Fusitu'a makes a high catch for Warriors against Gold Coast Titans in an NRL clash in March. Picture by David Neilson/www.photosport.nz/SWpix.com.

He featured in Warriors' opening five games this year before suffering a hamstring injury, but made his comeback with two Queensland Cup appearances for Redcliffe Dolphins in August.

In 2018 he was the NRL's top try scorer with 22 in as many games, adding one more in the play-offs.

He scored two tries in two Tests for the Kiwis five years ago before switching to Tonga, bagging five touchdowns in nine appearances.

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If confirmed, he will be Rhinos' fourth signing for 2022, after half-backs Aidan Sezer (from Huddersfield Giants) and Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves) and second-rower Jsmes Bentley (St Helens).

David Fusitu'a on the attack for Tonga against Australia. Picture by Andrew Cornaga/www.Photosport.nz.David Fusitu'a on the attack for Tonga against Australia. Picture by Andrew Cornaga/www.Photosport.nz.
David Fusitu'a on the attack for Tonga against Australia. Picture by Andrew Cornaga/www.Photosport.nz.

Rhinos squad for next year will include wingers Tom Briscoe - who had a spell in the centres this year - and Ash Handley, but Luke Briscoe, who missed only two games in 2021, has left the club and is set to join Featherstone Rovers.

Rhinos have also been looking for a middle-forward, but Fusitu'a will complete their overseas quota.

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