David Fusitu'a: Leeds Rhinos' star signing set to play against Hull in Tom Briscoe testimonial - plus Sam Walters injury update

Star signing David Fusitu’a will make his first appearance for Leeds Rhinos in Sunday’s Tom Briscoe testimonial game against Hull, coach Richard Agar has confirmed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The winger arrived in England last month, but has not featured in any of Rhinos’ three pre-season games so far.

Fusitu’a had a spell away from training after contracting Covid, but has been given the all clear to play this weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Playing for New Zealand Warriors, he was the NRL’s top try scorer in 2018 and played at Test level for the Kiwis and Tonga.

David Fusitu'a, who could make his first appearance for Rhinos this weekend. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos via SWpix.com.David Fusitu'a, who could make his first appearance for Rhinos this weekend. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos via SWpix.com.
David Fusitu'a, who could make his first appearance for Rhinos this weekend. Picture by Phil Daly/Leeds Rhinos via SWpix.com.
Read More
Introducing Leeds Rhinos youngster Max Simpson: 17-year-old centre has swapped H...

Agar also confirmed hooker Corey Johnson and prop Muizz Mustapha have been made available to Bradford Bulls for their Betfred Championship opener at Dewsbury Rams on Sunday.

The two-week loan deals mean they could play for Leeds in the Super League round one clash with Warrington Wolves on Saturday, February 12.

“Hopefully they will get some football this weekend and if we require them for round one, we can use them," Agar said.

Sam Walters is being assessed after suffering a shoulder injury against Bradford last week. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Sam Walters is being assessed after suffering a shoulder injury against Bradford last week. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Sam Walters is being assessed after suffering a shoulder injury against Bradford last week. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mustapha was sin-binned for fighting in Leeds' pre-season win at Bradford last Sunday, but has not been charged by the RFL's match review panel.

The panel's notes stated: "Players come together after a tackle. Players push and shove but no punches thrown. "

Loose-forward Jarrod O’Connor, who had been due to join Johnson and Mustapha on loan at Odsal, has been held back by Rhinos and will play against Hull.

Forward Sam Walters is still being assessed after suffering a shoulder injury last Sunday and will not be available for Briscoe's testimonial game.

Muizz Mustapha, with ball, has joined Bradford on loan after playing against them last weekend. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Muizz Mustapha, with ball, has joined Bradford on loan after playing against them last weekend. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Muizz Mustapha, with ball, has joined Bradford on loan after playing against them last weekend. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Agar said: “Sam won’t play this week.

“We are just getting some further opinion on his shoulder.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We got some scans back and we’ve referred him to a specialist to see what’s the next course of action.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. You'll enjoy unlimited access to the latest on Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity, as well as other West Yorkshire rugby league clubs. With our sports digital subscription, you'll also see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times and get exclusive content. Click here to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.