Joe Lavery – a member of the first New Zealand touring side – was the first import to join Leeds, making his debut in 1907. Since then, players from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and France have followed his footsteps to AMT Headingley. Every Rhinos squad of the summer era, which began in 1996, has included its own quota of overseas recruits, with varying degrees of success. Here, in reverse order, is the YEP’s list of the 21 best foreign players to feature for Leeds in Super League.
13. Rhyse Martin (10th)
The Australian-born Papua New Guinea captain wasn’t well known when he signed for Leeds from Canterbury Bulldogs midway through the 2019 season, but has given outstanding service in the second-row and at centre. He has played 116 times and is closing in on 1,000 points. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
14. Danny Buderus (ninth)
The legendary Aussie hooker joined Leeds for the 2009 season and went on to play 83 times for the club. He was hugely influential when Rhinos won the Grand Final from fifth in the table in 2011. Photo: Steve Riding
15. Joel Moon (eighth)
Born in Australia, Moon signed for Leeds from Salford as a centre, but also played at stand-off. A member of the 2015-treble winning side, his 170 games also included Rhinos’ 2014 Wembley triumph and their 2017 Grand Final victory and yielded 80 tries. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
16. Adam Cuthbertson (seventh)
Nominated for Man of Steel in his debut 2015 campaign, the Aussie prop’s offloads helped Rhinos to the treble that season. He also won the Super League title in 2017 and Challenge Cup three years later, making 157 appearances for Leeds. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire
17. Brett Delaney (sixth)
Signed as a centre from Gold Coast Titans ahead of the 2010 season, the second-rower’s 213 appearances over nine season with Leeds included 13 finals, winning three Super League titles and the Challenge Cup twice, as well as a league leaders’ shield and World Club Challenge. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
18. Scott Donald (fifth)
The Australian winger’s 92 consecutive starting appearances for Rhinos is a club record. He played in the Grand Finals wins of 2007, 2008 and 2009 and scored 92 tries in 145 games from 2006-2010. Photo: Steve Riding