Leeds Rhinos have completed the signing of hooker Matt Parcell from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year contract.
The 24-year-old has joined the Rhinos for an undisclosed fee, with Parcell’s arrival coming as the club looks to replace James Segeyaro, who has expressed his desire to leave the club.
Parcell started his career at Brisbane Broncos before joining the Sea Eagles for the start of the 2016 season. Before that, he had helped Ipswich Jets win the Intrust Super Cup for the first time, which earned him a move to Manly.
Parcell is the latest member of his family to play the game professionally. His grandfather Gary Parcell toured with the 1959 Kangaroos and played against Leeds and Great Britain at Headingley nearly 60 years ago.
His great-grandfather Percy Parcell represented Queensland while his father Steve, captained the Ipswich Jets.
“We are delighted to have signed Matt and look forward to welcoming him to the Rhinos,” said head coach Brian McDermott.
“He is a player we have been monitoring for a while and were keen to bring him here before his move to Manly. His natural abilities will certainly suit the style of play in Super League however we are also conscious that it will take time for him to settle into this pivotal role in the team. He is a smart player with a great Rugby League pedigree and I am sure he will be a big hit with the Rhinos fans.”
Parcell commented: “I’m excited to have signed a deal with Leeds Rhinos. After talked to Gary and Brian I think the brand of football they want to play is really going to suit my game. Playing in England has always been something that I have wanted to do and I’m looking forward to the move.”
Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “I would like to thank the Manly club for their co-operation and professionalism in this matter. We have enjoyed a good relationship with the management at the club which developed after our two World Club Challenge meetings and that has continued to develop since. After speaking with Bob Fulton we both feel we can further strengthen our relationship in the future.”
