Leeds sign PNG International Wellington Albert on a trial basis

PAPUA New Guinean international Wellington Albert, 24, has joined Leeds Rhinos on a month’s trial as he looks to earn a new contract in Super League after his former club, Widnes Vikings, went into administration.
The prop joined Widnes from the SP PNG Hunters ahead of the 2018 season and made 12 appearances in his debut season with the Vikings.
The Southern Highlander has played in two World Cup competitions (2013 and 2017).
In 2013, he came off the bench against New Zealand at Emerald Headingley and scored a try in the final minutes of the game. He followed that up in 2017 with appearances against Wales and Ireland.
Albert was the first Papua New Guinean player to be signed by an NRL club without having played junior rugby league in Australia when he signed a deal with Penrith Panthers back in 2014.
He originally played at Lae Tigers. He has earned five caps for the Kumuls.
Albert represented the Panthers at National Youth Cup level and in the Intrust Super Premiership, before joining Hunters in 2017.
Commenting on the arrangement, Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We’re happy to give Wellington an opportunity to train with us. He’s found himself without a club through no fault of his own and we’re without a number of first choice forwards at present. There’s no formal commitment from either party at this stage. Wellington would be free to join another club at any point.” – RhinosUK

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