Leeds Rhinos recruit Keith Galloway said he is relishing the challenge at his new club, and hopes he can hit the ground running against Wakefield on Boxing Day.
The Australian international played for 13 seasons in the NRL, before making the decision to join last season’s treble winners in July.
After being out on action for some time, due to his previous club Wests Tigers missing out on the NRL play-offs, Galloway told the club’s official website he has been working hard to re-gain fitness for his return to rugby.
“It has been a long time since I played a game back in the NRL because the Tigers didn’t make the play offs and I am looking forward to working on my fitness and blowing off some cobwebs on Boxing Day,” he said.
“It has been a bit more exciting this week in training. We have been working hard but the fact that we know there is a game at the end of the week has given everyone a lift and personally I can’t wait to play alongside the boys.”
The 30 year-old said the Leeds supporters were a major pull for his decision to join the club, after seeing them spur the club on to all three trophies last season.
Although he was aware of the size of the Rhinos before arrived in England, Galloway said he was initially surprised by the stature of the club in the city.
“Playing in front of the Rhinos fans was a big draw card for me to come to this club,” he added.
“I watched the boys in action last year on the television and the atmosphere here for a game is unreal and it is really exciting for me to get the chance to play in front of them for the first time on Boxing Day.
“I knew Leeds was a big club when I signed for the Rhinos but I probably didn’t comprehend just how big the club is, especially within the city of Leeds.
“There is so much support within the city for the club and it is awesome to be part of that now and hopefully bring some more success.”
