Leeds Rhinos overseas recruit outlines plans to make quick impression

New Leeds Rhinos signing Cooper Jenkins has spoken just hours after arriving in England on his pre-season aims and ambitions.

The forward is one of three overseas signings along with Samoan international Keenan Palasia and Fijian flyer Maika Sivo, who have both been in action for their respective nations recently.

As for Jenkins, he was also in action in October as Norths Devils went all the way by winning the Queensland Cup before defeating New South Wales Cup winners, the Newtown Jets, in the State Championship to wrap up a brilliant season.

Jenkins was the starting prop for the Devils in that game and will hope to bring similar success to Headingley, a stadium that the Australian was in awe of as he spoke to club media shortly after landing in England.

“It looks like it will be a surreal atmosphere coming here,” Jenkins explained during his first interview on the Leeds Rhinos YouTube channel.

“It looks mad, I’m keen to get out here and get a game in.”

New Leeds Rhinos man ready to rip in

The 23-year-old Jenkins was announced as signing for the Rhinos on the same day that fellow forward Palasia was confirmed, with the pair filling a huge void in the Leeds’ pack.

Departures of French duo Mickael Goudemand and Justin Sangare left the Rhinos pack light on bodies but the overseas pair have certainly filled the void with Jenkins a towering figure at 6 foot and 4 inches.

Speaking shortly after arriving in England, Jenkins previewed what is to come: “I’m looking forward to (starting pre-season on Thursday). I flew in this morning and went in today to meet a couple of the boys who were really welcoming. I can’t wait to get in there.

“I’m excited as, I’m keen to come here and prove myself to the boys, to the coaching staff, and to the fans, to come in and show them what I’m about. I can’t wait.”

Following on from such an impressive season with Norths Devils has left the 23-year-old ‘confident’ as he explained: “I’ve only had a couple of weeks off so I’m keen to get ripped into pre-season work hard and see what comes next year for me.

“I’ve got a couple of mates coming over this year and a couple who are already here. They’ve said that they love it here and I can’t wait to catch up with them and get around all our boys and learn.”

Leeds Rhinos fans will get their first shot at seeing him, and any other recruits, in action on Boxing Day when they take on Wakefield Trinity in their traditional game, one that Jenkins can’t wait for.

“Boxing Day will be something different but I can’t wait to get in front of the fans and show them what I can do.”