The 23-year-old and Blues co-coach Zac Masters will renew the front row partnership they cultivated with the Canberra Raiders under-20s as the club looks to go one better than last year's Group Nine grand final defeat to Gundagai.

Leapai is an explosive, agile runner blessed with nimble footwork and said getting out of his Canberra "comfort zone" was a big factor in heading bush.

After recovering from an ACL injury in 2019 he signed with French club Lezignan in a bid to impress Super League side Catalans, but that goal was cut short by COVID.

Masters and Leapai also played for NSW Country together in Papua New Guinea in 2018.

"It's a big occasion for Tumut, their 100^th year and I was keen to be a part of it," Leapai said.

"Zac really wants to have a good crack at it (premiership) this year and wanted me to help out, and I was pretty keen.

"I have my own way of playing and we're a bit different (in style). I'm pretty stoked to run out there with him again and relive the good times.

"Canberra is a smart comp but not as tough as bush footy, I wanted to test myself in a different environment and see how I go."

Masters said Leapai's presence should be just as invaluable off the field.

"Coming from the NRL programs and systems he's been in, he's definitely learned the right way to train and prepare for games, and being able to show that to some other guys will be awesome," Masters said.

"He's got good footwork, is really mobile and a great defender.

"One of the big selling points by us was how big this year is for Tumut as a club. It's our 100th year and we really want to push for a premiership.

"He wanted to be a part of that challenge, and also he hadn't played outside of Canberra before, he wanted to test himself in another region in a pretty strong comp.

"He's probably a bit more powerful than me and offers a point of difference."

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