BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Super League | McKenna heads for Headingley



By Phil Gordos BBC Sport Online

Chris McKenna knows a thing or two about his future Leeds team-mates - and not just because he was in the Australian side that handed out a record hammering to Great Britain earlier this month.

Leeds land McKenna

The 27-year-old centre, who will fill the boots of Tonie Carroll next season, played alongside Daryl Powell, Mick Cook and Ryan Sheridan during a brief spell at Sheffield Eagles before teaming up with Ben Walker at London Broncos.

McKenna profile

Childhood heroes: Wally Lewis and Mal Meninga

Favourite sportsman: Pete Sampras

Toughest opponent: Gorden Tallis

Greatest influence: Wayne Bennett

McKenna's stint at the Eagles was probably an experience he will want to forget, although he clearly made an impact on Rhinos coach Powell.

The Queenslander, who was on loan from Brisbane Broncos, played just four games before a broken jaw brought his stay at the Don Valley Stadium to a premature end.

After spells with Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Brisbane, Sheffield, South Queensland Crushers and London, it was with his sixth club that McKenna finally found fame.

He was a member of the Cronulla team that reached the Super League Grand Final in 1997, his performances for the Sharks eventually earning him a call-up to the Queensland team for the 1999 State of Origin series.

Chris McKenna
McKenna can also play in the second row
The following year, McKenna was included in the Australian team that handed out another record thrashing, this time a 52-0 demolition of New Zealand in the annual Anzac Test.

He had to start the game but came off the bench to mark his international debut with a try.

McKenna, who can also play in the second row, then had to wait another two years for his next appearance for the Kangaroos.

But he quickly made his presence felt, scoring the first of his side's 11 tries in the 64-10 defeat of GB on 12 July.

Leeds will hope he can repeat that kind of form at Headingley, where he will form a potentially devastating partnership in the centres with Keith Senior.


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