Leeds Rhinos: New Wolves recruit Dodds keen to emulate ex-team-mate Garbutt

Dodds is recovering from wrist surgery and will have to wait until later in the season to cross swords with former Brisbane Broncos clubmate Mitch Garbutt, but he admits his fellow prop has shown what a move to England can achieve.

Garbutt joined Leeds Rhinos midway through last season and famously won three trophies in only 14 matches. The duo spent Christmas together and Dodds said: “He is a really good bloke. I spoke to him a lot last year – he fell on his feet didn’t he!

“That’s the whole reason you come over here, to play games and win trophies. It has always been on my bucket list to play over here and that [emulating Garbutt’s success] is the plan.”

A trip to the treble winners is the toughest possible start for Warrington, but Dodds insisted tonight’s visitors are relishing the challenge. “You get to roll up against the best in the game from last year and I think it is a great way to start the season,” he said. “It is chance to see how you are travelling and how your whole pre-season has gone.”

Despite beating Rhinos twice, last year was a disappointment for Warrington, who finished sixth in the table and failed to qualify for the Super League semi-finals. Coach Tony Smith has added some quality recruits in the off-season and Dodds said: “From what I hear around the shop and around the boys, it seems everyone is moving forward. Hopefully in the game against Leeds that really shows.”