Zane Tetevano on: Leeds’ golden era, the Rhinos DNA & Super League style

Zane Tetevano is excited for the next chapter of his career with Leeds – a club he has long admired from afar.

The 30-year-old prop has joined the Rhinos on a three-year deal from NRL Grand Finalists Penrith Panthers.

Having made 122 NRL appearances for Newcastle Knights, Sydney Roosters and Penrith, Tetevano admitted that the move to Leeds came “out of the blue” but he is excited to play in Super League.

He said: “I got this new kind of energy where I felt like I was ready to rock and roll and try something new.

“Super League is a big comp and a different style of play but it is exciting so I can’t thank Kev (Sinfield) enough for the phone call because it means a lot to me and my family.

“I’m not here to muck around, I’m here to get a job done. I’m fit and healthy and just want to get in with the team and make sure I put my best foot forward and want to make sure I leave my mark.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Super League. It’s a bit more ad-lib footy and throwing the ball around. I guess with the defence, everyone is just banging each other and it is up my alley.

“I’m just looking forward to one day being able to run out at Headingley with crowds. I believe Super League is fast and physical and it is down my alley so I’m looking forward to it.”

READ: Leeds powerhouse Zane Tetevano eyes World Cup spot with Cook Islands

The New Zealand and Cook Islands international revealed he has been a keen admirer of the Rhinos for a long time, having looked up to the club’s golden era when he was younger.

Tetevano said: “I remember growing up as a young man and there were group of men – Kev (Sinfield), Jonesy (Jamie Jones-Buchanan), (Jamie) Peacock, Ryan Hall, Rob Burrow – that era excited me.

“There is something about the club where you want to fall deep into the history of everything so that you can get a connection with the club and the DNA of the Rhinos.

READ: Zane Tetevano thrilled to follow in footsteps of Kevin Sinfield with No. 13

“It might take a week or two to connect with the boys but I really buy into that aspect but once I get into the DNA of the Rhinos then good things could happen.

“There is a lot of people that I’m going to get my motivation from like Kev and all the guys that have played before me so my drive is to hopefully get the chips at the end of the year. I’m looking forward to it.”

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