Leeds Rhinos new boy Jeremiah Mata'utia sees Super League as platform to launch career
LEEDS RHINOS new boy Jeremiah Mata'utia views Super League as the perfect setting to sharpen his game and kick on in his career.
The towering prop made 18 Queensland Cup appearances for Mackay Cutters in 2025 but is still waiting for his first-grade debut.
Mata'utia begins his journey in England confident that he can take his game to another level while showing what a young, hungry player can gain from Super League.
"I've heard there's a bit of chat about NRL people coming here as a kind of retirement," he said. "But I see it as an opportunity to get better.
"My focus is the here and now and to be my best for Leeds Rhinos – but eventually I do want to go back and play in the NRL. I've come here to get better.
"Brad (Arthur) is a good coach. He has experience in the NRL and has come here and done really well. I'm hoping I can learn a lot from him."
Mata'utia, who was part of North Queensland Cowboys' squad before joining Leeds, signed a one-year contract with an option in the club's favour for 2027.
The 21-year-old finds himself in a similar situation to Cooper Jenkins, who arrived at Headingley with no first-grade experience a year ago and quickly earned a long-term deal.
"Hopefully it will all go well," said Mata'utia.
"The boys have been talking about the crowds here. They say Headingley is a good crowd and wherever you go here they are good fans. I'm excited to experience that."
Mata'utia has a link to the Rhinos through former Headingley favourite Adam Cuthbertson, his old coach at Mackay.
The move to Leeds came with Cuthbertson's seal of approval – even if the fresh-faced Mata'utia was initially unaware of the two-time Grand Final winner's Super League exploits.
"I didn't know he played for Leeds until I watched a game back and saw him play," added Mata'utia. "It looked like he was a pretty good player and is a good coach.
"He said congratulations and told me what a good club this is and the history behind it."
Mata'utia is set to get his first taste of the English game on Boxing Day when the Rhinos take on Wakefield Trinity in the annual Festive Challenge.
The youngster is ready for a different kind of Christmas.
"I've never experienced that," he said. "I'm used to having Christmas and New Year off but it will be good to have a change.
"I'll just have to have a bit less food on Christmas Day, but I'm pretty excited about it."