Recently-departed Leeds Rhinos forward, Morgan Gannon, is preparing for the biggest season of his career, as he enters the first of a three-year deal at NRL side New Zealand Warriors.

Gannon announced he would be leaving Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season in April, and departed Headingley with 73 appearances under his belt and a call-up to the wider England squad in mid-season.

Linking up with former boss Richard Agar at the club, the 21-year-old is settling in well with his new side, with NRL veteran Mitch Barnett giving a glowing report of his new teammate.

Speaking in a pre-season video posted on the Warriors’ YouTube Channel, Barnett was asked about Gannon’s arrival and his impact, with the State of Origin representative having nothing but praise for him.

“Big Morgz coming over from England. For the club going forward, people don’t realise how young he is,” he said. “He’s 21 or something, and coming out here, it’s going to take some time getting used to how we’re going, but he’s ticking all the right boxes straight away.

“He’s got some skill, strong, fast, and fit for a big, mobile guy. I just think for him, it’s about finding his feet. His role will vary and change, but he’ll progress over his time here.

“He could be that guy who plays 80 minutes in the middle for us, or edge middle, where he can float in between. He’s a great fella, too.”

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Morgan Gannon explains Leeds Rhinos exit

In a move that saddened Rhinos fans, but one they respected, Gannon has explained the reason for his departure, revealing that the switch down under was something he just simply couldn’t pass up on.

In the same video, the ex-Leeds star explained: “It was a decision of do I stay in my comfort zone or do I take a shot in the dark and test myself.

“I think, ultimately, that was what I wanted to do and I’m not regretting it.”

Explaining to his new fanbase who he is as a player, he continued: “I’m a second rower, I like to pride myself on defence. Defensively, that comes first. I think I’m a hard worker. There’s a saying, there’s tough, then there’s English tough, so I like to think I’m part of that.

“I just want to be a person that teammates what to play with an my teammates respect and always want them by their side.”