25 December 2023 , 10:01
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Aussie Matt Frawley has swapped having his feet up watching cricket in the sun for playing with Leeds in the cold this Christmas but he’s not whinging.
Many of his fellow countrymen will be enjoying a beer witnessing the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan unfold at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.
But scrum-half Frawley will instead be preparing to make his debut in the traditional festive friendly against Wakefield at Headingley.
Their Super League campaign doesn’t kick-off until February 16 but Rhinos always like to have a Yuletide hit-out.
Frawley, who joined from Canberra on a two-year deal, admitted: “Normally we are on holidays this time of year back home.
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“I’d probably be watching the Boxing Day cricket which is the tradition. So it is going to be a different experience this year but one I’m really looking forward to with Leeds.
“It’ll be a good atmosphere here on Boxing Day and it’s the first chance for us to have a run so it’s all exciting.”
Far away from home, Leeds organised a Christmas lunch for some of their overseas signings yesterday.
And Frawley also celebrated his 29th birthday on Christmas Eve.
But a belated present would be leading fallen giants Rhinos back to Super League glory.
He did spend one season in the UK after joining Huddersfield from Canterbury in 2019.
On his return to Super League, Frawley conceded: “It was a bit of a surprise.
“I did enjoy my time over here the last time but I probably wouldn’t have come back unless I felt it was the right opportunity.
“When Leeds got in contact, it was the number one club I wanted to play for if I was going to come back and play over here again. Talks progressed, it got more and more exciting and I made the decision.”
The former NRL star has swapped the Boxing Day Test in the sun for Headingley in the cold (Getty Images)Ironically, Frawley will help replace two other former Canberra halves - Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin - who both left Headingley at the end of the season.
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Rhinos get a look at some of their other new signings today including Aussie full-back Lachie Miller, who joined from NRL’s Newcastle Knights, and England hooker Andy Ackers after his arrival from Salford.
Frawley reckons he’s an improved player since he last featured in Super League.
He said: “Back then, I was a little bit younger but I definitely come back a different player, more experienced and I know my game a lot more.
“Having that experience before means I know what to expect with life over here, too, so I’m far more equipped to play some better footy while I’m over here.”
It is the 20th time Wakefield have been Leeds’ Boxing Day opponents in the summer era.
Trinity have been relegated to the Championship but have exciting times ahead themselves with new millionaire owner Matt Ellis having taken over.
Ex-Cas, Leeds and Warrington boss Daryl Powell also takes charge for the first time today.