LEEDS RHINOS have gone big with their first close-season signing by bringing in Jeremiah Mata’utia from North Queensland Cowboys.
The New Zealand-born 21-year-old forward stretches the tape to 6ft 5in, and had been described Down Under as a “man mountain”.
Mata’utia has signed a twelve-month contract with a Rhinos option for 2027.
While he didn’t make North Queensland’s NRL team, he has experience in the Queensland Cup with Townsville Blackhawks (he attended the Rugby League-renowned Kirwan State High School in the city) and over the last two years, Mackay Cutters.
That was as part of his progress through the development system at the Cowboys. who signed him in 2022.
Leeds last season blooded Cooper Jenkins, an Australian prop who had played in the New South Wales Cup for Newcastle Knights and Queensland Cup for Norths Devils, and hope Mata’utia can make a similar impact.
Sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are really pleased to have Jeremiah here, especially with the boys having returned for pre-season.
“He is a big guy and someone who will add a lot of power to our pack.
“Jeremiah is still young, but I think as we saw with Cooper Jenkins, working with our coaching team, we can give these opportunities to players from our own Academy and overseas and see them flourish in a Rhinos shirt.”
Coach Brad Arthur added: “Jeremiah is keen to get stuck in. He knows he has still got a lot of work to do but I am looking to seeing how he develops over the next year.”
Mata’utia said: “I’m really pleased to be part of this club and I can’t wait to rip in and to bring the best of my ability.
“It was a big decision for me at such a young age, I was still living with my parents, so it was hard to say goodbye to them, but having my partner in Leeds with me has made the move easier.
“I think the crowd here get around the boys a lot, and they show a lot of support.
“Brad spoke about the progress the team have made and I really want to be a part of that.
“To learn from a coach like him, with his experience in the NRL and Super League, is a big thing for me.
“I want to bring aggression and impact whether I am starting or on the bench and do what the team needs from me.”