ENGLAND star Georgia Roche has helped her former club Leeds Rhinos secure the signing of a former State of Origin player.
Australian-born halfback Melanie Howard, who has featured for both St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters in the NRLW, has joined the Rhinos and will help plug some of the experience gap left by a number of departing players.
The 31-year-old represented New South Wales in 2020 and has also played for the Prime Minister’s XIII.
Last year she featured for the Knights in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and has also enjoyed a successful Sevens rugby union career, winning the NSW 7 National Championship.
“We are delighted to sign Mel and we are all looking forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to the team,” said Leeds interim coach Leon Crick.
“Within the last twelve to 24 months we have lost a lot of experience in our squad.
“We have a brilliant crop of young players coming through, but they’d benefit from having some more guidance in some key positions, and Mel will bring that.
“She has lots of experience playing in Australia at the top level and from representative rugby and we think she will be an outstanding addition.”
Howard added: “It’s really good to finally be here. It’s my first time in the UK but I am excited to be part of a new team and to compete in Super League.
“I reached out to the club after watching some of the competition last year and I got Leon Crick’s number off Georgia Roche. I spoke to him and learned more about the team and we went from there.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this and play a sport in a different country. I’m a bit of a homebody, so moving away from friends and family is a big thing for me, but I love rugby and this is a challenge I am looking forward to. Hopefully will grow and develop as a player.
“I’m probably an out-and-out halfback, and a bit of a boss on the field. I guess it’s my role to tell everyone what to do and to be a good talker.
“I’m probably a bit smaller than everyone else, but I try and put my best foot forward in defence and pride myself on being an effort player and a team player and always just want to do my best for the team.”
