'He does the job and always turns up' - Leeds Rhinos' former NRL star Matt Prior in focus

Australian forward Matt Prior was a key signing for Leeds Rhinos in the off-season, joining them from Cronulla Sharks on a two-year contract.
By Peter Smith
Published 15th Jul 2020, 12:00 BST
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The 33-year-old played in all five fixtures before the coronavirus shutdown and has filled the gap left by Trent Merrin’s exit last autumn.

One of the most consistent front-rowers in the Australian game, he was unlucky not to earn a Test cap before moving to England.

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Prior made a big impression at the start of his Leeds career and here is an assessment of what the veteran forward will bring to Rhinos’ squad when Betfred Super League resumes on August 2.

Attributes:

With 253 NRL appearances under his belt, Prior has vast experience in the world’s toughest competition.

He is durable - having been ever-present for Cronulla last year - and can play in the second-row or at loose-forward, as well as his specialist role as a prop.

He will carry the ball forward all game, has a high workrate and is an outstanding defender, averaging more than 32 tackles per match so far this season.

Matt Prior in the thick of the action for Rhinos against Hull KR. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Matt Prior in the thick of the action for Rhinos against Hull KR. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Matt Prior in the thick of the action for Rhinos against Hull KR. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Defining moment:

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Having won two NRL Grand Finals, in 2010 with St George-Illawarra Dragons and for Cronulla six years later, Prior received overdue representative recognition in 2018 when he made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales.

Best season:

Prior played 25 times, all as a starter, for Cronulla during the 2016 season, which ended with them winning their first Premiership thanks to a dramatic 14-12 Grand Final victory over Melbourne Storm.

Matt Prior at Emerald Headingley. Picture by Steve Riding.Matt Prior at Emerald Headingley. Picture by Steve Riding.
Matt Prior at Emerald Headingley. Picture by Steve Riding.

Prior’s performance in the front-row - making 165 metres with ball in hand - was a big factor in Sharks’ defeat of the minor premiers.

Concerns:

Prior turned 33 in May so is clearly in the later stages of his career.

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The main worry, though, is that an NRL club might decide he is just what they need to boost their pack for next season.

Matt Prior behind the scenes at his new home ground. Picture by Steve Riding.Matt Prior behind the scenes at his new home ground. Picture by Steve Riding.
Matt Prior behind the scenes at his new home ground. Picture by Steve Riding.

Value:

As his former Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita has said: “If you’re looking for someone who does the job and is always turning up by your side, Matty Prior is your man.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins

Related topics:NRLLeeds