Rhinos new boy Mata'utia has lofty ambitions despite climate 'shock'

Some overseas players come to England to retire, but Leeds Rhinos' giant recruit Jeremiah Mata'utia has very different plans.

- by Peter Smith

FRESH CHALLENGE: New recruit Jeremiah Mata'utia shows off his new Leeds Rhinos shirt after joining the club last month.

(PICTURE: LEEDS RHINOS)

Born in Otahuhu, New Zealand, the towering prop played second-tier rugby for Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters and was part of North Queensland Cowboys' squad before joining Leeds.

He hasn't featured in southern hemisphere's elite NRL and, at 21, will be among the youngest imports in Betfred Super League next year, but reckons the stint in England can take his game to a new level.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I've heard there's a bit of chat about NRL people coming here as a kind of retirement, but I see it as an opportunity to get better.

"My focus is the here and now and to be my best for Leeds Rhinos, but eventually I do want to go back and play in the NRL. I have come here to get better.

"Brad [Arthur] is a good coach, he has experience in the NRL and he has come here and done really well. I am hoping I can learn a lot from him."