Achurch raring to go at Headingley

New Leeds signing Mitch Achurch is already looking forward to his first game for the club, expected to be a pre-season friendly on Boxing Day.

Achurch, 24, joins the club from Penrith Panthers and arrived back in the country for the start of pre-season last week, having previously visited during the end of season run-in and attending the Super League Grand Final victory over Warrington.

He told the club’s official website: “It is great to be back and I have really benefitted from being here the other month. Flying back this time on my own, I wasn’t worried about anything and was just really excited to get back to the boys and start training. 

“I’ll hopefully get the all clear this week to start back running fully and I am really looking forward to Boxing Day and finally playing for the Rhinos.”

Achurch, who qualifies for England through his London-born mother, made 11 appearances in the NRL last season, and moves to Headingley on a four-year deal.