Scott Donald
signs with Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos have signed Australian winger Scott Donald, 25, from the NRL?s Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year contract, starting from the 2006 engage Super League season.

Donald, who formerly played with North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels, is one of the most prolific try scorers in the NRL competition having scored 63 tries in 87 games

In his first season at Manly in 2003 he scored a remarkable 21 tries in just 24 games and has been the second-highest try scorer in the NRL for the past two seasons.

Commenting on his signing, Donald said: ?I?m really excited by the challenge of joining Leeds.

"I?ve have never been to England but I?ve heard from other Australian players how good It is to play at Headingley and in front of the Leeds fans.?

Donald will arrive in Leeds in early December and is likely to make his debut for the club in the traditional Tetley?s Festive Challenge on Boxing Day.

Chief Executive, Gary Hetherington, commented: ?Scott will join us at the height of his career. He?s an experienced NRL player, a proven try-scorer with lightning pace and I?m sure he will be an exciting addition to our squad and the Super League competition.?