LEEDS RHINOS hope the addition of North Queensland Cowboys prop Wiremu Greig will add power and punch to their pack.
The 26-year-old arrives at AMT Headingley on a one-year contract, with the option of a further year, in a move that reunites him with head coach Brad Arthur.
New Zealand-born Greig came through the system at the Cowboys before joining Parramatta Eels, for whom Arthur handed him his debut in 2021.
He registered 27 appearances for the Eels over the course of four seasons, as well as featuring 62 times for the club’s reserves side before returning to North Queensland.
The forward made three appearances for the Cowboys last season, also featuring for Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.
Greig’s arrival helps to fill the void left by the outgoing Matt Lodge, who has returned to Australia following a five-game spell with the Rhinos towards the end of last season.
“I’m really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos,” enthused the New Zealand Maori representative.
“It’s a club with a great history and a passionate supporter base, and I’m looking forward to getting over there and being part of it.
“I know how competitive Super League is, and I want to come in, work hard and do my job for the team.
“As a forward, you want to be in the middle of the action, carrying hard and doing the tough stuff for your teammates.
“I’m looking forward to getting started and giving everything I’ve got for Leeds.”
Arthur is looking forward to working with the forward again, explaining: “Wiremu is a big, strong middle who can help us get the job done through the middle of the field.
“He has experience at NRL level, and he knows what it takes to compete physically.
“We want forwards who are prepared to do the hard work, carry the ball strongly and make life difficult for the opposition, and Wiremu has the opportunity to bring those qualities to our group.
“He will come in and have to earn his place, like everyone else, but I’m looking forward to working with him again and seeing what he can bring to the team.”
Sporting director Ian Blease added: “Wiremu is a strong addition to our forward pack.
“He has experience in the NRL and has come through a good system in Australia, so he understands what is required to compete at a high level.
“We believe he has the attributes to make a positive contribution to our squad. He gives us another option in the middle, and we are looking forward to seeing him come in, settle into the group and make an impact.
“The one-year deal, with an option for a further season, gives both the club and Wiremu an opportunity to build on what we hope will be a successful first year at Leeds similar to how we brought through Cooper Jenkins a couple of years ago.”
