Key Points
- Former Leeds Rhinos, New Zealand, and Tonga international David Fusitu’a has completed a code switch to rugby union.
- The outside back has been named in the starting line-up at outside centre for the Queensland Reds.
- Fusitu’a is set to make his debut appearance for the Super Rugby outfit against the New South Wales Waratahs.
- The marquee clash is scheduled to take place at the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma.
- The shock development follows Fusitu’a’s initial announcement that he was retiring from professional rugby league towards the end of 2025.
Brisbane (The Leeds Times) September 16, 2026 – Former Leeds Rhinos and NRL standout David Fusitu’a has made a sensational return to professional sport by executing a high-profile code switch to rugby union, securing a surprise starting berth with the Queensland Reds for their upcoming fixture against the New South Wales Waratahs.
How Did David Fusitu’a Secure His Move to Rugby Union?
As reported by Matthew Shaw of Love Rugby League, former Leeds Rhinos and National Rugby League ace David Fusitu’a will play for rugby union outfit Queensland Reds this weekend having been named as a surprise inclusion for their clash against the New South Wales Waratahs. The Auckland-born back, who previously represented both New Zealand and Tonga on the international stage during his storied rugby league career, had initially signalled the end of his playing days by announcing his retirement at the back end of 2025.
Building on this development, further details emerged regarding his immediate integration into the squad. As reported by RugbyPass, code convert David Fusitu’a has been drafted directly into the centres and will start at outside centre for the Queensland Reds to take on the New South Wales Waratahs.
The fixture forms part of a marquee pre-season schedule at the Santos Festival of Rugby, hosted in the regional Queensland town of Roma.
What Led to David Fusitu’a Code-Switch and Retirement U-Turn?
Fusitu’a’s sudden return to elite professional sport represents a dramatic U-turn following his departure from the full-time code. During his distinguished career in rugby league, the 189 cm, 106 kg powerhouse established a reputation as one of the most lethal aerial finishers in the game. He featured extensively in the NRL before making a high-profile move to the Betfred Super League with the Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2022 season, thrilling supporters at Headingley with his athleticism on the wing, centre, and fullback positions.
Having stepped away from the sport at the conclusion of 2025, the 31-year-old athlete’s decision to accept an opportunity in the fifteen-man code caught many pundits and supporters by surprise.
Rather than easing into a developmental setup, Fusitu’a has been thrust straight into the starting XV by the Queensland coaching staff, highlighting the immense physical attributes and natural footballing pedigree that convinced the Super Rugby heavyweights to hand him an immediate trial in the midfield.
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Background of the Particular Development
The transition of elite players between rugby league and rugby union has a long and storied history, particularly within the southern hemisphere where cross-code recruitment is commonplace. The Queensland Reds’ decision to throw Fusitu’a straight into the starting line-up at outside centre reflects an ongoing tactical trend in Super Rugby to utilise powerful, dynamic ball-carriers out wide and in the midfield channels.
Fusitu’a brings extensive elite-level experience from playing at the highest tier of domestic rugby league in both hemispheres—spanning the NRL and the Super League—alongside major international tournament experience representing Tonga and New Zealand. His switch comes at a time when Super Rugby franchises are increasingly looking to inject proven, high-impact outside backs into their match-day squads to bolster depth and physical presence ahead of competitive blocks.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Leeds United FC and Leeds Rhinos Fans
For supporters of the Leeds Rhinos, seeing a former club fan-favourite successfully transition to a different professional code Down Under serves as a fascinating point of interest during the domestic off-season. While Fusitu’a’s departure from Headingley concluded his chapter in English rugby league, his sudden resurgence in Super Rugby demonstrates the enduring quality nurtured within the Super League system.
For the broader rugby league community in West Yorkshire, his performance in union will be monitored closely as an indicator of how well elite wingers can adapt to the technical demands of the midfield in the fifteen-player code.
