Tokoroa-born Kiwis foward Zane Tetevano has been granted an immediate release from the Penrith Panthers to join the Leeds Rhinos on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old has played tests for the Cook Islands and three for New Zealand in 2019, and appeared in two of the last three NRL Grand Finals.
He was a substitute when Penrith Panthers lost to Melbourne Storm this year and came off the bench in Sydney Roosters’ 2018 win over the same opponents.
Tetevano is of Cook Islander and Māori descent.
He will join Leeds ahead of the new Super League season after his release from the final year of his NRL contract.
“While it’s difficult to leave Panthers, I’m extremely grateful to the club for allowing my family and I to take up this opportunity,” Tetevano said in a club statement on Friday.
“My time at Penrith was one of the most enjoyable years of my career.”
Panthers general manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said the club wished him the best of luck in the Super League.
“Zane had an extraordinary impact on our young squad following his arrival at the club last season,” he said.
“He consistently elevated our training sessions with his professionalism and played an important role in the team’s success in 2020.”
Tetevano made 19 NRL appearances in 2020 and averaged over 100 running metres per game.
Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said once the club knew of Zane’s availability he was their No 1 priority to strengthen the squad for next season.
“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.”
Coach Richard Agar said the 1.89metre, 111kg forward would add power and experience.
