Wednesday 24 June 2015 09:29, UK
Leeds Rhinos have secured the services of Brisbane prop Mitch Garbutt, who has immediately been released by the Broncos.
The 26-year-old former Melbourne forward has agreed a two-and-half-year contract and will arrive in Leeds on Saturday before getting stuck into training with his new team-mates on Monday.
Garbutt joined the Broncos from Melbourne at the end of 2014 but injuries in both pre-season and this year restricted him to just three NRL matches for them.
"I was very excited when the opportunity came up to sign with such a great club as Leeds," said Garbutt, who may make his debut in the table-topping clash with St Helens on Friday week.
"Gary Hetherington (chief executive) and Brian McDermott (coach) have been very good with me, they have kept in contact with me whilst all the paperwork has been sorted and now I can not wait to get over this weekend.
"The Rhinos are such a successful side with a mix of youth and experience and this is a great opportunity to kick on with my own career as part of that group.
"I have watched the team on television over here and the side are always competitive and, more often than not, come away with the win which is an exciting thing I want to be part of. I think the style of the game in Super League will complement my natural game and I am hoping to hit the ground running as quick as I can.
"Brian has been talking to me about how the team plays and the role he sees me doing within the group and that is something I have been able to focus on during the last few weeks whilst the deal has been arranged."
The Rhinos are losing front-rowers Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai through retirement at the end of the year and will hope Garbutt can emulate the success of fellow Australian Adam Cuthbertson, who has been a big hit in his first season in Super League.
McDermott added: "We are delighted to welcome Mitch to the club. I have spoken to a number of people in Australia who rate him and the job he can do for a team.
"He is someone I have been looking at for some time and I think his style of play will fit well within our team and the Super League competition.
"Obviously we are losing some size from our pack next season and had hoped to get Mitch in for 2016. However, to be able to bring him in now so he can get settled into life over here in Super League is an added bonus, especially with big games all the way between now and the end of the season."
Brisbane chief executive Paul White said: "Mitch has certainly done everything the club has asked of him, so we were not going to stand in the way of a wonderful opportunity for him like this.
"We wish him and his young family well in their new adventure overseas, and hope he finds every success in the English Super League."
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