Zane Tetevano’s Rugby League Journey Continues: From Leeds Rhinos to the Newcastle Rugby League
In a surprising turn of events, former Leeds Rhinos forward Zane Tetevano has returned to rugby league just months after announcing his retirement. The 33-year-old, who had joined Canterbury Bulldogs for the 2024 season, has now signed with Wyong, a club competing in the Newcastle Rugby League competition in New South Wales.
Tetevano’s time at Leeds Rhinos was marked by both highs and lows. After joining the club on a marquee contract at the end of 2020, the former New Zealand international quickly established himself as one of the NRL’s leading forwards. Over the course of a decade, he excelled in Australia, winning multiple Grand Finals with the Sydney Roosters and also having stints with Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers.
“During his three-year spell at Leeds, Tetevano was reported to have earned over £200,000 per year, but he was unable to provide the Rhinos with the extra edge they needed as they struggled for consistency.”
Nevertheless, he played a crucial role in the club’s miraculous run to the 2022 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, after they had earlier found themselves bottom of the league.
Tetevano’s final year at Headingley, however, ended in concerning fashion. During a training session, staff noticed the prop was slurring his words, and it was later confirmed that he had suffered a stroke. Despite successful heart surgery, Tetevano was unable to return to the pitch for Leeds. In total, he made 47 appearances for the Rhinos, scoring three tries, with his last game coming in a convincing Round 11 victory over Wigan Warriors in early May.
The announcement of Tetevano’s retirement two months ago came as a shock, but now, it seems his time playing the game is not over. The move to Wyong in the Newcastle Rugby League competition presents an opportunity for the experienced forward to finish his career on his own terms, a welcome sight for a player whose career had been threatened by last year’s stroke.
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