Kruise Leeming speaks on impressive NRL debut

The Gold Coast Titans shocked quite a few this morning with Kruise Leeming drafted in for his debut just days after arriving in the country.

It was a late change to the side which sees Klese Haas come out of the planned 17 and Leeming start on the bench set to become Titan number 183 as he wore the number 19 jersey today.

The 27-year-old has 187 games of Super League experience, scoring a try in last season’s grand final.

He didn’t look out of place as he came on in a brilliant 20-18 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.

He was lively as you’d expect and after the game he reflected on what was an impressive debut.

“Brilliant mate, it’s happened really quickly but for me it is the best way to get into it,” he said on the club’s websie.

“I got off the plane and straight into it. Training has been really tough this week.

“So to go from that into a game and especially a win I couldn’t ask for anything better.

“It’s an unbelievable stadium, it is a brilliant surface. Crowd was fantastic, the weather was great. It was a good day for rugby and it was a great day to make my debut.”

He also joked about not knowing everyone’s names.

“I’m still getting round everyone. I have just about got round everyone at training and today. I am getting round everyone and I will get it done soon I’m sure.”

According to Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks, his preference is to stay in the NRL but she believes if he returns to Super League St Helens and Catalans Dragons will be interested.