The former St George junior, who can play on the wing or at centre, made his first appearance for Leeds in the Heatshot Festive Challenge against Wakefield and made an instant impact by scoring two tries in the victory, the first of which was the first try ever to be scored on the new pitch.
Prior to his move to the UK he spent two seasons with Gold Coast but did not make his first team debut despite making stand out appearances for feeder club, Tweed Heads, where he scored 17 tries last season.
Speaking about his new contract Vickery said, "It was my ambition to earn a contract with the club when I came over here and I backed myself to do that so I am delighted to have signed for the season. It was a gamble to move here on a trial and away from everything I knew in Australia but the hard work has been worth it and I am pleased with my decision.
"I really enjoyed my first run out against Wakefield and the crowd and atmosphere at the Stadium was fantastic. I know there is still a lot of work to do and I want to prove I can step up and play in the Super League and I am really looking forward to getting out there again and the start of the season."
Commenting on Vickery's signing Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said, "We are really pleased to have secured a permanent deal with Joe and he fully deserves this contract. He has trained well and done everything asked of him. He has been very professional since he joined and we were impressed with how he went against Wakefield on Boxing Day and he made a good start to his Leeds career with two tries."
