NICK COTRIC is confident he has made the right decision to commit his long-term future to Leeds Rhinos.
The 27-year-old outside back has penned a four-year deal with the Rhinos after having impressed for Catalans Dragons, where he registered ten tries in 50 appearances and was still contracted beyond the end of the 2026 campaign.
And former Australian international Cotric, who is primed for his third Super League season after having previously featured for Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs down under, cannot wait to get started with his new side.
“It was a big decision to move from Catalans, but I think it was the right decision for me,” explained Cotric, who has been joined by former Dragons teammate Edenn Rogers-Smith in making the move from Perpignan to West Yorkshire.
“It’s a great club with a great history and the boys were so good last year. They were unlucky not to make the Grand Final.
“There is a good culture here and I can’t wait to rip in. I used to watch Leeds as a kid when they had players like Kevin Sinfield.
“There is such a big history here with the amount of titles the club has won so it’s a great honour to put on that jersey.
“It was a great experience at Catalans, but I thought it was a no-brainer to come here.”
Cotric hasn’t played under Brad Arthur before, but has heard plenty of praise for his new head coach from his time in the NRL with Parramatta Eels.
And with the Rhinos having fallen at the final hurdle to Warrington Wolves this year, he is determined to help them go one further and reach the Grand Final next season.
“I had a few phone calls with Brad Arthur,” Cotric continued. “He’s a great coach and I can’t wait to play under him.
“I’ve been getting in and amongst it early. It’s going to be a tough pre-season and I can’t wait to meet all the players and earn their respect.
“I know a few of the boys from various clubs but I’m excited to meet all the other players too.”
Comfortable on the wing or in the centres, much has been said of Cotric’s position amid the retirement of Ryan Hall and departure of Harry Newman.
But he stressed: “I will play anywhere the coach wants me to play.
“I just want to train hard and see what happens.
“The main goal is to get to that Grand Final.”
