French prop moves to Headingley after two years with Airlie Birds
HUGO SALABIO has been handed another opportunity to make his mark in Super League after securing an unexpected move to Leeds Rhinos.
The French prop joins the Rhinos on a one-year deal following two seasons with Hull FC.
Salabio made his top-flight debut in 2022 but has managed just 35 Super League appearances across spells with Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, Hull and Castleford Tigers. He has also played for Toulouse Olympique, Doncaster and Halifax Panthers in the Championship.
Yet Leeds boss Brad Arthur sees potential in the 26-year-old.
"Hugo is a strong, physical forward who will give us another option in the middle of the field," he said.
"He has experience playing in Super League and at international level, and we believe he can come in and make a positive contribution to the group.
"We're looking forward to welcoming him to the club and working with him over the coming season."
Salabio becomes the fifth addition to Leeds' pack for 2027 following the loss of Mikolaj Oledzki, James McDonnell and Cameron Smith.
The Rhinos have also signed Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker and Wiremu Greig.
For Salabio, the move to Leeds is a dream come true.
"I was a Rhinos fan growing up and used to go to AMT Headingley to watch the Rhinos when I was younger so to have the opportunity to represent this club is something special for me," he said.
"Leeds is a massive club with a great history and I've always admired the team and the supporters. To now be able to pull on the Rhinos shirt and play in front of those fans is something I'm really looking forward to.
"I want to come in, work hard, learn as much as I can and do everything possible to help the team be successful.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started."