Somewhat forced out in the end, an English adventure awaits now former Cronulla Sharks prop Ava Seumanufagai, who has signed with the Leeds Rhinos.
Seumanufagai has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Super League side, a signing they are pleased with.
“We are delighted to get the deal finally done to sign Ava,” said Leeds Director of Rugby, Kevin Sinfield.
“He is a player we have been monitoring for a while and it is good that we have secured him until the end of the 2021 season.”
Sinfield praised the hard work that Seumanufagai puts in as a player and thanked the Sharks for the smooth transition.
“Ava is a big player with a great work ethic,” continued Sinfield.
“I would like to thank Cronulla Sharks for their help in getting the deal agreed and we look forward to welcoming Ava into our group once all the necessary paperwork has been completed.”
A Parramatta junior, Seumanufagai eventually made his way to the Wests Tigers and played for five years with the club.
2018 was his first season with the Sharks and with a new chapter ahead of him, the hulking prop is excited.
“I am really excited to be joining the Rhinos, “said Seumanufagai.
“I have been speaking to Kevin Sinfield for a while and I know a few blokes who have been over at Leeds and they have loved it at the club, so I am really looking forward to coming over.
“I like to play the game hard and aggressive, I like to get my job done and I enjoy the physical side of the game.”
Although their start to the season has not been the best, that does not phase the NZ-born forward.
“I know the Rhinos have had a tough start to the new season but I have been in teams that have had tough starts before and I know how rewarding it is when you turn your season around and achieve something as a group,” he continued.
“The Rhinos current form certainly wasn’t something that concerned me in terms of my long term decision to come to the club.
“That is the challenge and I am looking forward to doing my job. Once the paperwork is completed I will be heading over and I am keen to get started as soon as I arrive.”