Released Leeds Rhinos hooker Robbie Ward has signed for Australian side Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Ward, has decided to make the switch to the Queensland Cup side following his departure from the Rhinos, opting for a move Down Under despite holding talks with Super League and Championship clubs.
Sunshine Coast have strong links with Melbourne Storm, acting as one of the NRL’s feeder teams, and Ward has admitted that the lure of a potential NRL opportunity was too good to turn down.
“There’s no better time to go,” said Ward.
“I’m 20 years old and there’s nothing holding me back here. I think it will be a great opportunity for me to experience a new lifestyle and play in a top competition over there.
“I had the offer from Sunshine Coast and they told me how they had Melbourne players going there every week and if you play well you’ve got the path to Melbourne.
“Last year didn’t really go as planned. I had a lot of goals last year that I didn’t really meet. So I’m looking to go over there, start a fresh, put last year behind me and play well over there at the club I’m going to which will hopefully lead to me playing in the NRL one day.”
