Leeds Rhinos signed New Zealand international forward Zane Tetevano on a three-year-contract on Christmas day back in 2020 but now that contract has expired with the prop leaving the club.
The 33-year-old joined the Rhinos from NRL side Penrith Panthers ahead of the 2021 Betfred Super League season.
Then director of rugby Kevin Sinfield was sure of the signing’s success and said: “Once we became aware of Zane’s availability, he was our number one priority to strengthen our squad for next season and we are delighted to get the deal done.
“I would like to thank Penrith Panthers for their co-operation to complete the move.
“We have got an exciting crop of young players coming through at the Rhinos and to add a current international with a proven track record of winning will give our group a tremendous lift. We look forward to seeing Zane in blue and amber in 2021.”
Tetevano, who has featured in two of the last three NRL Grand Finals added: “My personal motto is that I like to be challenged and this move is the next challenge for me,” he said.
“I have had my time in the NRL and had some amazing opportunities and been part of some incredible teams.
“I am excited to be coming to Leeds. I have been doing my research on the history of the club so I have an emotional connection with the highs and lows of being a Rhino.
“I played some of the big guys from Super League with New Zealand against Great Britain and some of those guys are absolute beasts. I am keen to test myself against them on a week to week basis.”
Sadly the move didn’t quite achieve the success both sides imagined and after his stroke mid way through the season, Tetevano was allowed to return home ending his time at Headingley.
Despite this health scare, Tetevano is set to complete a move to return to former club Wyong Roos. Serious About Rugby League understands that an announcement is imminent which will see him return to his former club.
There he is likely to butt heads again with former Leeds teammate and Warrington Wolves star Blake Austin who has joined fellow Newcastle based club Entrance Tigers alongside Wakefield Trinity legend David Fifita.
Peter Mata’utia is also set to play in the same league which now has some big names involved as the 2024 season looms.
