Mitch Garbutt: From Leeds Rhinos Cult Hero to Player-Coach in France
Mitch Garbutt’s rugby league journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The burly prop forward etched his name into Leeds Rhinos’ folklore, playing a pivotal role in the club’s treble-winning season in 2015 and their most recent Super League title in 2017.
Midway through the 2015 season, Garbutt made the move from the Brisbane Broncos to the Rhinos, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite. His uncompromising style of play and memorable moments, such as the infamous punch on James Tamou in the 2016 World Club Challenge, cemented his status as a cult hero at Headingley.
After leaving Leeds, Garbutt ventured to Hull KR and Toulouse Olympique, before finding a new challenge as the player-coach of RC Saint-Gaudens in the French Elite One Competition. Garbutt appeared to take to life in the South of France, leading the team to a sixth-place finish in his debut season and a spot in the play-offs.
“Garbutt’s future remains unclear. The former Leeds Rhinos man has not announced whether this marks the end of his distinguished playing career or if he will continue his rugby league journey in Europe or potentially make a return to his native Australia.”
However, this year saw the Bears struggle, winning just four games and finishing in eighth place. With the French season now complete, Garbutt’s future remains unclear. The former Leeds Rhinos man has not announced whether this marks the end of his distinguished playing career or if he will continue his rugby league journey in Europe or potentially make a return to his native Australia.
Garbutt spent the off-season in 2023 playing for the Grafton Ghosts First Grade side in the Tooheys New First Grade Competition, hinting at the possibility of a homecoming. Could a shock return to Leeds Rhinos be on the cards, much like Ryan Hall’s anticipated comeback in 2025? Only time will tell what the next chapter holds for the enigmatic Mitch Garbutt.
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