The Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of Brisbane Broncos forward Mitch Garbutt on a 2-and-a-half-year deal, effective immediately.
The 26-year old has previously appeared for the Melbourne Storm, before joining the Brisbane Broncos for the 2015 season on a two-year contract. However, due to injury he has only made 3 appearances for the Brisbane Broncos, who have allowed him an early release to join the Rhinos.
On the movement, Garbutt, who is set to join the Leeds squad on Saturday, said: "Gary Hetherington (chief executive) and Brian McDermott (coach) have been very good with me, they have kept in contact with me whilst all the paperwork has been sorted and now I can not wait to get over this weekend.
"The Rhinos are such a successful side with a mix of youth and experience and this is a great opportunity to kick on with my own career as part of that group.
"I have watched the team on television over here and the side are always competitive and, more often than not, come away with the win which is an exciting thing I want to be part of. I think the style of the game in Super League will complement my natural game and I am hoping to hit the ground running as quick as I can.
"Brian has been talking to me about how the team plays and the role he sees me doing within the group and that is something I have been able to focus on during the last few weeks whilst the deal has been arranged."