JAMES McDONNELL will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of this season to take up an NRL deal.
The back-rower, who was named in the most recent Super League Dream Team and turns 26 on Monday, is only contracted to Leeds for this year after signing a short extension last April.
His next destination is yet to be confirmed but McDonnell will join centre Harry Newman, who has signed a two-year contract with Perth Bears from 2027, in leaving the Rhinos to go down under.
“I know he will give his all this season before moving on,” said Leeds’ sporting director, Ian Blease.
“We have both agreed to make a decision as early as possible in the year so we can plan for 2027 and I am grateful that James has been upfront at the earliest opportunity.”
McDonnell came through the ranks of hometown club Wigan Warriors, but moved to Leeds at the end of 2022 after being limited to just six appearances in three years as a first-teamer.
He has become an increasingly important figure with each year at AMT Headingley, making 24, 26 and then 30 appearances last season.
As well as a Dream Team spot, one of two Rhinos representatives alongside Man of Steel Jake Connor, McDonnell scored a career-best nine tries in 2025.
He also earned a place in the England training squad, although the once-capped Irish international missed out on a spot in their Ashes squad.
Blease added: “When we agreed a contract extension with James back in April last year, we knew James’ ambitions as a player, just like when he left his hometown club at Wigan to gain regular rugby at Leigh (on dual-registration) and then came across to Leeds to make a name for himself at the Rhinos.
“He has tremendous self belief and drive, which as a club, we have benefitted from in recent years.”
While it’s another setback for Leeds’ long-term plans, following not only Newman’s decision to leave but the recent loss of Morgan Gannon to New Zealand Warriors too, Leeds head coach Brad Arthur insists it won’t be critical.
“For those in the squad, they know there is a spot up for grabs next year and that should drive them on,” he said.
“Likewise on Ian’s recent visit to Australia, there was a lot of interest from players about what we are building here at the Rhinos so I have every confidence we can continue to build a strong squad for the future.”