Leeds release prop Zane Tetevano, who will return to New Zealand following heart surgery.
The New Zealand international had a stroke during a training session in May, which was caused by a hole in his heart and necessitated surgery.
Leeds have dismissed striker Zane Tetevano from his contract while he recovers from heart surgery, according to the Super League club.
During a training session in May, the New Zealand international suffered a stroke.
The 32-year-old was later determined to have a hole in his heart, which required surgery.
The Rhinos had hoped that the prop would be able to play again before the end of the season, but that has not been the case.
Tetevano’s contract is set to end later this year, so the club has permitted him to go early and return to New Zealand.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the Rhinos for their support over the last three years,” Tetevano remarked.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Leeds General Infirmary, who have taken such good care of me since my stroke and heart operation.”
“I will always remember my time in Leeds fondly, and I wish (coach) Rohan (Smith) and the team all the best for the rest of this season and the years ahead.”
Tetevano made 47 games and scored three tries for the team after signing from the Penrith Panthers in 2021.
Leeds has also announced the acquisition of former Huddersfield half-back Matt Frawley from the Canberra Raiders in Australia.
The 28-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract with the Rhinos and will join them next season.
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Kangaroos have a new face as Cleary withdraws.
The championship-winning half has officially retired.
Nathan Cleary has withdrawn from the Kangaroos’ team for the forthcoming tri-series against Samoa and New Zealand.
Cleary suffered a minor knee injury during a spectacular grand final effort against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday evening.
Cleary won the Clive Churchill Medal in a thrilling performance that will go down as one of the greatest in grand final history.
Because of the injury, Nicho Hynes has been recruited into the Australian Rugby League Commission’s 21-man roster for the upcoming two Tests, as well as the prospect of a final.
What role Hynes will play in the team remains to be seen, with Manly Sea Eagles half Daly Cherry-Evans – who shared duties with Cleary in last year’s World Cup – set to take over the number seven jumper.
Prior to his injury, Cleary was slated to be the first-choice quarterback in the seven.
Hynes had another great season with the Sharks, albeit not on the same level as previous year when he won the Dally M Medal but was not selected for the World Cup in England.
Cleary will be joined on the sidelines for the series by his premiership-winning halves partner Jarome Luai, who will miss Samoa’s campaign due to a shoulder injury.
The Australians will play Samoa in their first Test on Saturday, October 14, in Townsville.
