Progressing well throughout his career, Paul Aiton has now taken the next step and will play for a Super League powerhouse, signing a 3-year deal with the Leeds Rhinos.
Aiton, who has played for the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks in the NRL and the Wakefield Wildcats, is also an international representative, playing for Papua New Guinea at the World Cup – his 2nd.
Leeds coach Brian McDermott is pleased to have signed Aiton and looks forward to the experienced hooker making his mark on games for Leeds moving forward.
“I am delighted that we have agreed the deal to bring Paul to Headingley Carnegie,” said McDermott.
“He has a wealth of experience both from the NRL and here in Super League with Wakefield and is performing on the highest stage as captain of his country in the World Cup.
“The addition of international class players in Paul and Tom Briscoe along with the recruitment of young talent in Andy Yates from Hunslet and the retention of our young stars adds significantly to the group we had last season and bodes well for the 2014.”
For Aiton, he is thrilled with a move to Leeds as he looks to make his mark, and he looks forward to what lies ahead in both the World Cup and for Leeds.
“I am very happy to be joining the Rhinos,” said Aiton.
“I would like to thank everyone connected with Wakefield for making me feel so welcome over the last two years and I am pleased that both clubs have come to an agreement that means I can join Leeds.
“You only need to look at how many of the Rhinos team are in the current England squad to see the quality that is here at the club and I am excited about the future.
With support crucial for any side, Aiton hopes that the fans can get behind his PNG side in a tough final group clash against the Kiwis.
“It is nice that we have been able to get the deal done ahead of Friday’s game against the Kiwis. I hope the Leeds fans will be out in force on Friday night and they will give me and the Papua New Guinea boys all their support, as we know we face a big challenge against New Zealand,” added Aiton.