Richmond will debut exciting utility Mykelti Lefua on Sunday.

After 34 days of being signed as a pre-season supplemental selection (SSP), Lefua will run out onto the MCG when the Tigers face Port Adelaide.

The 25-year-old - who was born in New Zealand - stands at 195cm and boasts a level of versatility that the club needs with its current injury list.

Moved to Melbourne in 2012, Lefau was a member of the Melbourne Storm development squad as a Rugby player.

Turning his attention to AFL, the youngster showed his tremendous skills for the Under 19s team St Kilda City in 2016.

This resulted in Lefua being signed by VFL squad Casey the following year, where he featured in the VFL Grand Final.

The Kiwi was then added to the Tigers VFL squad in 2022 but was hindered by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Returning halfway through last year, Lefua impressed in the reserves grade, displaying his strength, agility and speed.

Shortly after being selected during the SSP period, recruiting manager Matt Clarke spoke highly of Lefua, saying he'd be able to contribute to the club at the elite level.

โ€œMykelti has not put a foot wrong since he came to our club and has shown across the past three months that he can blossom in a professional environment. We are excited to be adding him to our AFL list,โ€ Clarke said.

Now officially being named in the AFL team, Lefau is likely to open "pathways" for those in New Zealand, which is something he cherishes.

"100 per cent. New Zealanders, Islanders, everyone. I want to be that guy that opens the pathway for them," Lefau said in February.

"There's so much untapped talent there. They've all got it, but they just need someone to believe in them to do it. It starts from grassroots. When you're just playing rugby at grassroots you won't see footy. I switched at 16.

"If they have the opportunity when they're much younger I reckon there'd be heaps more of a pool of players."