BIG-HITTING Leeds forward Matt Adamson will begin the countdown to the end of his Super League career at the Giants on Sunday (4.30).

The Australian second-row forward confirmed he will be leaving Headingley at the end of the season after three years with the club.

The 31-year-old will move on a year-long contract to leading Australian NRL side Canberra Raiders, who have also snapped up Hull skipper Jason Smith for 2005.

Canberra hooker Brad Drew is, of course, moving in the opposite direction to join the Giants for Super League X.

Adamson is hoping the news goes down well with the Leeds supporter and he receives a warm reception from them at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday.

"I have loved my time at Leeds and I always assumed that Leeds would be my last club," he said.

"The offer to join Canberra and play a season for one of the most famous clubs in the world was too good to miss.

"I have never hidden my love of the Rhinos and it was an extremely tough decision to decide to leave.

"I have had three wonderful years here and have some great memories amongst great friends."

Adamson was on the bench as the Rhinos maintained a four-point lead at the top of the table with a 46-28 triumph at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at the weekend.

That made it 18 wins and one draw from Leeds' 21 games this season.

Included in those victories was a 36-8 win over the Giants at Headingley on Friday, April 16 in front of the Sky TV cameras.

* There will be a bucket collection at Sunday's game for injured Moldgreen player Danny Scott, who suffered a broken neck in a Pennine League game in January.