Canberra Raiders' Matt Frawley explains why he can be a hit for Leeds Rhinos

05 September 2023 , 10:40

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Canberra Raiders' Matt Frawley will join Leeds Rhinos (Image: Getty Images)

Aussie Matt Frawley says his previous experience in Super League will serve as a “massive advantage” when he joins Leeds from Canberra Raiders ahead of next season.

The half-back, 28, has signed a two-year deal starting in the 2024 campaign. He previously played for Huddersfield, making 22 appearances in 2019 after joining from Canterbury, but swiftly returned Down Under. Frawley, who helps offset the loss of former Canberra halves Aidan Sezer (Wests Tigers) and Blake Austin (Castleford) from Headingley, has only made 22 NRL appearances in the last four seasons.

But he is currently starting in the Raiders side that embarks on the play-offs this weekend and firmly believes he returns to the UK as a better player. Rohan Smith’s Rhinos look likely to miss out on the play-offs this term sitting eighth with three rounds to go. But Frawley - who could link-up with Richie Myler in the halves - said: "I am really excited to join Leeds and to have the opportunity to come over to the UK. I know I am joining a club that has big expectations for success and that is something that I am looking forward to being part of.

“I think the year I had in England when I was younger will be a massive advantage for me this time around as I know the country, the competition and what to expect and I want to pick up where I left off then. My fiance and I love the city of Leeds and can't wait to make it our new home. From a personal point of view, the chance to call Headingley my home stadium was a big factor in deciding to join the club and I can't wait to run out in front of the home fans. I am an experienced player now and an organising half and I know that is what Rohan is looking for, to get our team around the park.

"I know the club has a crop of exciting young players and I want to help those guys come through as well as my own goals for my time at the club. I am looking forward to working with Rohan and the coaches. I have only heard good things about Rohan from people who have worked with him previously and we have had lots of chats already about the direction he wants the club to go in and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

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Smith reckons Frawley has all the right attributes to help Leeds return to being a side capable of challenging for silverware. He added: "Matt's desire to come to the Super League competition really resonated with me. His game has matured and developed a lot over the last four years. He has worked with Jamal Fogarty and Jack Wighton at the Raiders which has helped his game improve. He is a very team-orientated player who likes to get his hands on the ball which is what we were looking for.

Canberra's Matt Frawley celebrates scoring against Brisbane last week. He's on his way to Leeds in 2024. (Getty Images)

“He is an organiser and wants to be part of our journey; he had done his homework on our team before we spoke and it was impressive to hear what he wants to bring to our group. He comes from a strong team environment at Canberra and I think he will facilitate others playing well around him as well as his own personal skills."

Meanwhile, Leeds have agreed to the early release of Zane Tetevano, the former Kiwi forward who hasn’t played since suffering a stroke in training in May. He subsequently required heart surgery the following month but it was hoped he could return to action before the end of the season.

Tetevano, 32, has been unable to do so, though, and - out of contract at the end of the season - he now heads home to New Zealand. He said: "I would like to thank everyone at the Rhinos for the support they have given me over the past three years. I especially would like to thank all the staff at the Leeds General Infirmary who have looked after me so much since my stroke and heart operation. I will always remember my time in Leeds fondly, and I wish Rohan Smith and the team all the best for the rest of this season and the years ahead."

David Craven