Leeds swoop for Griffin

Fresh from winning a fifth Super League crown last Saturday, Leeds have moved to confirm the signing of Huddersfield prop Darrell Griffin.

The 30-year-old England international has penned a three-year deal with the Rhinos and is their second signing for the 2012 season, joining another front-rower, Crusaders' Richard Moore, at Headingley Carnegie.

"I would like to thank Huddersfield for everything they have done for me and I wish them all the best for the future," Griffin said. "When I was told that I could speak to other clubs, I met with a number of Super League clubs but once I became aware of Leeds' interest in me, there was only one club that I wanted to join."

Griffin was born in Oxford and made his way into the professional ranks with Harlequins after impressing with the Oxford Cavaliers.

He then joined Wakefield, where he made his name, before moving to Huddersfield in 2007.

"Growing up playing the game in Oxford, it was always a dream to get to play with the champions and now I have that opportunity," he added.

Coach Brian McDermott, a former prop himself, believes Griffin will add something extra to his squad.

He said: "Darrell is a great addition to our squad for next season. He is a player who I admire and has shown at Huddersfield that he is a hard-running prop who never takes a backward step.

"I think he will thrive in our environment and training regime and I am looking forward to seeing him play for Leeds."

Griffin could be joined at Headingley by a third 'new' face, after chief executive Gary Hetherington confirmed veteran centre Keith Senior had been offered a pay-as-you-play deal with the club.