Super League leaders Leeds have signed Brisbane prop Mitch Garbutt, who has been released by the Broncos to enable him to make the move immediately.
The 26-year-old former Melbourne forward, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Rhinos, will arrive in Leeds on Saturday and begin training with his new teammates on Monday with a view to making his debut in the table-topping clash with St Helens on Friday week.
The Rhinos are losing front-rowers Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai through retirement at the end of the year and will be hoping Garbutt can emulate the success of fellow Australian Adam Cuthbertson, who has been a big hit in his first season in the Super League.
Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: "We are delighted to welcome Mitch to the club. I have spoken to a number of people in Australia who rate him and the job he can do for a team.
"He is someone I have been looking at for some time and I think his style of play will fit well within our team and the Super League competition.
Garbutt joined the Broncos from Melbourne at the end of 2014 but injuries have restricted him to just three NRL matches for them.
"I was very excited when the opportunity came up to sign with such a great club as Leeds," Garbutt said.
"Gary Hetherington (chief executive) and Brian McDermott 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."
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