Pre-season here is a change, but definitely not a rest for Leeds Rhinos signing Keenan Palasia.
The Samoan international made his debut for Brisbane Broncos in 2019 and spent last season with Gold Coast Titans before joining Rhinos on a two-year deal.
He is set to make his first appearance for the Rhinos in their annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day and insisted while Leeds might look a bit rusty with the ball, they will certainly be fit.
“It is tough,” 27-year-old said of pre-season under Rhinos’ former Parramatta Eels boss Brad Arthur.
“Hopefully the way we’ve been training translates into the games. When I came in, the boys were already fit, but with this pre-season on top of that, I think we’ll be able to do something special.”
Leeds Rhinos signing previews squad strength ahead of Boxing Day battle
Palasia reckons Leeds’ new-look squad is shaping up nicely ahead of their Betfred Super League campaign which begins at home to Wakefield in February.
“They are an easy bunch of boys to get along with here, there’s no egos or anything like that, so I slotted right in,” he said.
“I felt welcomed and it was easy when the leadership boys, Cam Smith and Ash Handley, welcomed me in.
“We have a bunch of boys from Australia as well who have helped me transition over here, so it has been good.
“It is a great squad here, football-wise and off the field. They are a great bunch of blokes to get on with, which makes it easier for the team to get closer together. Hopefully we’ll do well in the competition.”
Palasia had a taste of playing at Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium as a substitute for Samoa when they lost 34-16 to England at Headingley on November 2.
“I noticed a few of the boys from my team that got brought on got a ‘boo’, but I got a bit of a cheer, so that was a welcoming experience,” he recalled.
“Hopefully we can experience that every home game, get a few wins and hear a cheer from the fans every week.”
Playing the day after Christmas is a new experience for Palasia, along with fellow recruits Mika Sivo and Cooper Jenkins.
“Usually I’d be having a beer on Boxing Day,” he admitted. “This time I will be preparing for a game, but I am excited. It’ll be the first time I’ve experienced it and I can’t wait.”
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