Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has confirmed that NRL superstar Paul Momirovski will feature in Round One against Salford Red Devils.
The centre is a former NRL winner with Penrith Panthers and was drafted in from Sydney Roosters. He has trained with Leeds over the winter but missed all the pre-season friendlies being back down under in agreed leave.
He returned this week and will play with Smith saying: “Yes, he is pencilled in.”
This came as Smith explained his approach to game time ahead of the new season with Momirovski obviously having none: “Last year we had four or five players unavailable at the start of the year and they they played their first game in a Super League game so, you know, it’s it’s just the way it is and you know I think though if you see the way that most of the other clubs have played their their pre-season that a lot of their leading players have played half a game to get rid of the cobwebs I’m assuming.
“We felt the need probably to push a few of ours a bit further against Hull KR because it’s the first sort of game that our spine have played together ever. So that was a that was necessary, but you know next year, I’d assume they’ll play less.”
Leeds Rhinos signing set to feature
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/Shutterstock 13481112n Mickael Goudemand of France squares up with Sam Tomkins of England England v France, Rugby League World Cup 2021, Group A, Rugby League, University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton, UK – 22 Oct 2022 England v France, Rugby League World Cup 2021, Group A, Rugby League, University of Bolton Stadium
Leeds have had some injury concerns ahead of the new Super League season including Mickael Goudemand who missed the friendly against Hull KR.
Smith confirmed he will be fit to feature against Salford: “Yeah, he will be, yes.
He also praised the Frenchman for how he settled in: “He’s made a great transition to the UK. He was adamant he wanted to come to the UK at some point and really challenge himself at a big club. His relationship with Justin has been really helpful. Justin helped him integrate and helped him with the language. I think he speaks better English than a lot of us. He’s fit in really well. He’s a fit, very competitive person and very intelligent so he picks things up quickly and I’m looking forward to him getting started as a runner.”
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