When Leeds prop Mitch Garbutt gets off the plane at Melbourne airport next weekend it will be somewhat of a homecoming for him.
He will return to a city that holds a special place in the 28-year-old’s heart.
Garbutt joined Storm during the 2012 Premiership season before going on to make his NRL debut for the Club, playing a total of nine games during his time in the purple jersey.
He had a stint at the Broncos before moving to the UK in 2015, linking up with English Super League powerhouse Leeds Rhinos.
It was a move that paid dividends with Garbutt playing a key role in the Rhinos’ Championship triumph last season.
That has not set up a return to AAMI Park, where he will face his former side in the World Club Challenge on February 16.
Garbutt may have only spent a short time at Storm but it was enough to leave an impact.
"It's been a big part of my life living there, I met my missus there and it's a special spot for me," Garbutt told The Age.
"To play against the best in the world is why you play the game and everyone is really looking forward to it."
There are also some similarities Garbutt sees between Leeds and his former Club.
"They are a big club (in the UK), very successful and you could liken them to a Sydney Roosters or a Melbourne Storm-type organisation in that they love to win."
