King Vuniyayawa can't wait to 'rip in' with Leeds Rhinos after move from New Zealand Warriors

Leeds Rhinos' first Fijian says it is “pretty cool” to be joining the eight-time Super League champions.
Rhinos recruit King Vuniyayawa.Rhinos recruit King Vuniyayawa.
Rhinos recruit King Vuniyayawa.

King Vuniyayawa has signed for Rhinos from New Zealand Warriors on a one year contract.

The 6ft 2 forward is a replacement for Ava Seumanufagai, who was released last month for personal reasons and is Rhinos’ second off-season signing, after New Zealand Test prop Zane Tetevano.

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“I am very thankful and blessed for this opportunity and I am really looking forward to it,” said the 25-year-old who is the first Fijian to sign for Leeds.

“I know Leeds is a very strong club, very passionate and I am really keen to rip in.

“I have done some research, my manager has told me about it and I know it is a really strong club.

“I have looked at the team as well, the forward pack and I was pretty stoked with the team.

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“They have got a really strong forward pack and I know Leeds is a prestigious club.

“I am excited that a strong team and club like that gave me an opportunity, it is pretty cool.”

King -whose surname is pronounced Vuni-yaya-wa - was born in Fiji and began playing rugby union after moving with his family to New Zealand.

After switching codes, he had spells with Manurewa Marlins, Papakura Sea Eagles and Howick Hornets before making his NRL debut last season, featuring five times for New Zealand Warriors.

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“It was a long journey,” he said of his path to the top level in the southern hemisphere.

“I have just got my foot in the door and I am hungry for more.

“I want to keep going until I can see what I can get at the best of my abilities - I am really keen on that.”

The one-year contract gives both player and club an opportunity to test the water, but Vuniyayawa insisted: “I am really keen to come in and rip in and show Leeds what I’ve got and hopefully they like what I can do and I will be waiting for what they can offer.

“Other than that, I just want to play.

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“It is a good challenge for me and chance to start a new chapter.”

Vuniyayawa earned the first of his three Test caps for Fiji in 2018 and is in contention to be part of their World Cup squad this autumn, which is added incentive to mark his mark for Rhinos.

“Playing for Fiji is always really important, we hold that opportunity really high,” he said.

“That’s something I am really looking forward to.

“I have just got to work hard this season and hopefully the World Cup doesn’t get cancelled and I can go on and enjoy it.”

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Rhinos coach Richard Agar has been looking for another big man to strengthen Rhinos’ middle-unit.

“He has had to work hard to get to where he is in the game and his determination is something that appealed to us,” the Leeds boss said.

“He has been a good performer in lower grades for the Warriors and performed well when he made the breakthrough to the NRL this season.

“At his age and position, we think he is a player with plenty of potential in him.”

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Of what Rhinos fans can expect from the new recruit, Agar said: “He carries the ball hard, has some real sting in his defence and has good athleticism for a big guy.”

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