When Muizz Mustapaha collected an excellent long pass from dummy-half Brad Dwyer, there were less than two minutes remaining last Thursday night. Leeds Rhinos were 36-12 up and in total control against Wigan Warriors, with the cigars being lit by Rohan Smith’s players at a raucous Headingley.
Still they were not finished, or certainly Mustapha wasn’t as he steamrollered through Mike Cooper, Oliver Partington and Kaide Ellis to crash over the line. Significantly, it was the 22-year-old’s first senior try for the club and was rapturously received on the pitch and in the stands.
Head coach Smith punched the air in delight and Mustapha’s team-mates mobbed him. "I’ve been here since I was a kid, so it was definitely a dream come true,” Mustapha told Rugby League Live. “It was my first-ever professional try and really meant a lot to me.”
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That Mustapha was born in Nigeria and moved to Leeds with his family as a young child adds intrigue to his story. The Mustapha family settled in Harehills, then moved to Hunslet where the burly prop, who stands 5ft 8in, began playing rugby league for Hunslet Warriors.
He then joined Leeds Rhinos scholarship, has represented England at Academy level and made his senior debut under Dave Furner in a 78-6 Challenge Cup win over Workington Town in April 2019. Loan spells in League 1 at Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury Rams and Newcastle Thunder followed.
He signed a three-year contract with the Rhinos but has found first-team opportunities limited, with a season-long loan at Hull Kingston Rovers last term bringing just eight Super League appearances. Mustapha, 22, has also played for Bradford Bulls this year and then copped a five-game ban after being sent off playing for Leeds reserves against Warrington Wolves in May.
But, in his first game back after completing his suspension, he showed his worth against Wigan in Thursday’s televised clash. When Corey Johnson pulled out through illness on the morning of the game, Smith rang Mustapha and told him he was playing.
“Obviously Wigan are big aggressive lads, so the game was quite fast and physical,” added Mustapha, who came off the bench. They’re second in the league and a great team, so it was really competitive throughout and a tough challenge. But I absolutely loved it.”
Mustapha’s contract at Leeds expires at the end of this season and he is remaining tight-lipped on where he will be playing his rugby league next term.
“I’m up at the end of the season, but it’s about playing really and everything will look after itself from there,” he said. “I’ve got tunnel vision and it’s about working hard and getting on with playing well. I can’t really say too much about beyond this season. I’m just focusing on playing and getting as much game-time as I can. It’s about being available for selection and hopefully contributing more to the team.”
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