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.
19. Willie Poching (fourth)
Signed from Wakefield Trinity, the New Zealand-born forward was a key member of Rhinos’ 2004 Super League-winning side. He spent five seasons as a Leeds player - also winning the World Club Challenge - and scored 51 tries in 149 games. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
20. Brent Webb (third)
Known by Leeds fans as Superman, full-back Webb was born in Australia but played Test rugby for New Zealand. He joined Rhinos in 2007 and won the Grand Final three times, World Club Challenge twice and league leaders’ shield once, scoring 87 tries in 155 appearances. Photo: Steve Riding
21. Ali Lauitiiti (second)
The final piece in Rhinos’ 2004 title-winning jigsaw, the ball-handling Kiwi forward played 200 games for Leeds and was a five-time Grand Final winner. Photo: Steve Riding
22. Kylie Leuluai (first)
The most successful overseas player in Leeds’ history, the New Zealand-born prop won six Grand Finals, two league leaders’ shields, two world titles and two Challenge Cup finals in 264 appearances between 2007 and 2015. Photo: Steve Riding