Leeds Rhinos' powerful winger David Fusitu'a is set to extend his stay at Headingley. Rugby League Live understands the 28-year-old has held positive contract talks with the club and will now commit his future to the club on a new contract.
Fusitu'a arrived at the club from New Zealand Warriors and while his performances haven't gone unnoticed, injuries have hampered his ability to stay on the field. That said, he made a triumphant return to action last week, producing an excellent two-try performance in the Rhinos' victory over Huddersfield Giants.
Before the season had begun, Fusitu'a was being linked with a return to the NRL next year and given the stop-start nature of his Headingley career, there was a feeling he would leave the club. But Rohan Smith is thought to be a big fan of Fusitu'a, with the Leeds head coach known to be keen on outside backs who are strong in yardage.
Fusitu'a certainly fits that bill, with his carry arguably the most destructive of any winger in the competition. That was on show last week as he made 155 metres for the Rhinos and four tackle busts.
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Leeds are thought to have considered other options on the wing - Adam Swift is one player understood to have been discussed internally, but Smith is thought to have ultimately decided that retaining his current winger was the best course of action for the team moving forward. Swift is now understood to have signed with the Giants for next season. Talks are thought to have been ongoing but the former Kiwi is now set to agree terms on a new contract to remain at the club in 2024.
Fusitu'a played twice for New Zealand in 2016 and in 2018 he finished the season as the NRL's top scorer, bagging 23 tries in 23 games. He was voted as the competition's second-best winger that year behind Josh Addo-Carr. He would go on to feature for Tonga in their historic victories over Great Britain and Australia that year.
Leeds still have a number of their senior players off-contract, which includes overseas players such as Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer and Zane Tetevano. Sam Lisone recently signed an extension to his contract while fellow quota players Nene Macdonald and Rhyse Martin are under contract. In total, Fusitu'a has made 22 appearances for the club, scoring ten tries.
