HUGO SALABIO says it will be special to pull on the Leeds Rhinos jersey after becoming the latest addition to the club’s new-look forward pack.
The French prop arrives on a one-year deal from Hull FC, where he has spent the last two seasons.
He is the fifth forward to commit to the Rhinos for 2027, with Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker and Wiremu Greig also coming through the doors at AMT Headingley to replace the outgoing Matt Lodge, Cameron Smith, James McDonnell and Mikolaj Oledski.
Marseille-born Salabio made his breakthrough during Toulouse Olympique’s 2021 Championship promotion-winning campaign before moving to French rivals Catalans Dragons, where he made his Super League debut the following year.
Since heading for British shores, the 26-year-old has turned out for Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers across 35 Super League appearances, and both Doncaster and Halifax Panthers in Championship loan spells earlier this year.
“I’m really excited to be joining Leeds,” said Salabio, who made 12 of his 18 appearances for the Black and Whites during the second half of the season.
“I was a Rhinos fan growing up and used to go to AMT Headingley to watch the Rhinos when I was younger, so to have the opportunity to represent this club is something special for me.”
“Leeds is a massive club with a great history, and I’ve always admired the team and the supporters.
“To now be able to pull on the Rhinos shirt and play in front of those fans is something I’m really looking forward to.
“I want to come in, work hard, learn as much as I can and do everything possible to help the team be successful.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Head coach Brad Arthur sees potential in the front-rower, adding: “Hugo is a strong, physical forward who will give us another option in the middle of the field.
“He has experience playing in Super League and at international level, and we believe he can come in and make a positive contribution to the group.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club and working with him over the coming season.”
