Hooker Rawlinson has been at Leeds since 1999

Hooker Rob Rawlinson believes the return of Vili Ma'asi has given Leeds Carnegie a major boost.

The influential Tongan hooker is now fully fit after an neck injury that kept him out since September.

"It's good to have him back. You'd rather have him in your team than against you," Rawlinson, 32, told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Having him back has created an even better atmosphere in the squad and it's a big boost to us."

He has started 12 games this season for Leeds, scoring one try.

Leeds' longest-serving player added: "Having such competition is healthily for the squad.

"We have great faith in whoever starts the game, but we also know there are players on the bench chomping on the bit to get on and play well."

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