A third gun winger has departed the Warriors in the space of six months, with Tonga international David Fusitu’a being released from the final two years of his contract.
The 2018 Dally M try-scorer of the year was contracted to the New Zealand-based club until the end of 2023 but has been granted a release to join Super League giants the Leeds Rhinos on a two-year deal.
Fusitu’a’s exit follows the departures of superstars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who had been playing on a wing by the end of his time at the Warriors, and long-time winger Ken Maumalo.
Maumalo was discarded by the Warriors and signed by Wests Tigers in June, while Tuivasa-Sheck crossed from the NRL to Super Rugby club the Auckland Blues in August.
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Fusitu’a scored 61 tries from 108 NRL games, making him the club’s fifth-highest try-scorer in history.
But injuries, fading form and a return to New Zealand in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic limited him to just 12 matches over the last two years.
Warriors recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan wished Fusitu’a the best in the Super League.
“David has an opportunity to secure his future in the United Kingdom and wants the chance to make a fresh start,” O’Sullivan said.
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“He has had a difficult time in 2020 and 2021 but, at his best, he is one of the leading outside backs in the game. Going to the Super League gives him the chance to rediscover his form.
“… he has made a huge contribution to the club. We thank him for his service and wish David and his family all the best for the future.”
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