I can’t wait to work with him: Kruise Leeming on linking up with Super League winning coach Justin Holbrook

Kruise Leeming has landed in Australia to link up with new club Gold Coast Titans and says he can’t wait to get started under Super League winning coach Justin Holbrook. 

Leeming, 27, only recently arrived Down Under after signing a deal until the end of the 2023 season with the NRL outfit.

The former Leeds captain requested a release from the Rhinos in March, with head coach Rohan Smith confirming the news following their defeat to Castleford in Round Five.

He completed his NRL move earlier in April, linking up with ex-St Helens boss Justin Holbrook.

47-year-old Holbrook spent three seasons in England with Saints, winning the 2019 Grand Final over Salford before returning to Australia as head coach of the Titans ahead of 2020.

In his first interview with the club, Leeming told the Gold Coast Titans: “I know of his (Holbrook) accolades and what he achieved in Super League, and how highly he is regarded as a coach and how smart he is.

“I knew of him, we had spoken in passing on the field. But I wouldn’t say I knew him as a person.

“His tactics and the certain way he coaches, that’s something as a hooker that really appeals to me and I can’t wait to work with him.

“I’ve heard he’s a challenging coach and challenges you in the right ways that makes you be a better player and that’s exactly what I want.

“I’m in that stage in my career now where I want to keep improving, I want to keep learning.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and working with Justin.”

Kruise Leeming: I can’t wait to get going

Leeming departed Headingley Stadium having made 54 Super League appearances for the club, captaining them in 2022 as the Rhinos reached Old Trafford under Smith.

The England international made his professional debut with Huddersfield in 2013, and has made a total of 187 appearances to date.

He joins the Gold Coast Titans five rounds into the 2023 campaign, with his new side sitting ninth on the table with two wins from four.

“I’m so excited to be joining this club,” Leeming continued.

“The facilities are unbelievable.

“Knowing Justin from Super League and what he did there with St Helens was a massive attraction for me and I’ve always wanted to challenge myself in the NRL and it seemed the right timing for me to come over here.

“And like I say, the connection Justin has got with Super League, the respect that he’s got over there and the respect that he’s got over here and what he’s done with this club. 

“The club being such a young club as well with young leaders and sprinkled with experience in there is something that really appealed to me.

“I can’t wait to get going.”

READ NEXT: Warrington coach pays tribute to Gold Coast-bound prop Thomas Mikaele following final appearance