Leeds Rhinos have boosted their squad for the run in of the Betfred Super League season with the signing of Papua New Guinean international second row Rhyse Martin, 26, from NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on a two and half year contract.

The Rhinos take on Catalans Dragons at Emerald Headingley this afternoon, kick off 3pm.

The second rower burst onto the NRL scene last season with the Bulldogs when he kicked 36 goals from 38 attempts in his debut season for a 94.7% success rate. He played 14 matches last season, scoring 4 tries as well and has added a further 11 appearances this season, kicking another 13 goals.

Born in Cairns, Queensland, he is of Papua New Guinean descent through his father and has ten caps for the Kumuls including the recent test against Samoa.

He joined in Sydney Roosters in 2010 and subsequently moved to the Bulldogs in 2016, making his NRL debut in Round 9 last season, starting at second-row and scoring a try with his first ever touch. Having racked up 88 points in the NRL, he was then part of the Bulldogs NSW Cup team, captaining them to victory in the NSW Cup Grand Final, kicking 3 goals in the 18-12 victory. The following week, he scored a try and five goals in the State Championship Final win over Queensland Cup winners the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Commenting on signing for the Rhinos, Martin said, “It is great to get the deal sorted and I am looking forward to getting started with Leeds. The move has come about very quickly. I came close to signing for Leeds last year but opted to stay at the Bulldogs. The club have kept me in their plans and I am pleased things have now worked out. I know the team are in a tough position at the moment but I want to come over and hopefully play my part in getting Leeds back where we want to be.”

Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said, “We are pleased to have secured Rhyse. He is a talented player who will add to our squad. He enjoyed an impressive debut season in the NRL last season and is keen to be part of the Rhinos squad as we build towards the future. He is an international and a consistent goal kicker who will bring competition to our squad.”