Leeds Rhinos are in contract talks with a key member of their first team squad.
Hooker Jarrod O’Connor was Super League’s top tackler last term with 1,044 and has been awarded Rhinos’ number nine jersey for the 2026 campaign, despite the off-season signing of Samoan international Danny Levi from NRL outfit Canberra Raiders.
The 24-year-old, who made his debut in 2020, has played 124 times for Leeds and is entering the final year of his current deal.
That means he is free to talk to rival clubs, but confirming discussions are on-going with Rhinos, O’Connor insisted: “We’re not in a rush.
“Obviously it’s the best Super League club to be at; it’s just talking to the club and not rushing into it, but [we are] getting there.”
O’Connor has also revealed he has eyes on a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, to be played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
“I’ll be pushing myself to get into that team,” he vowed. “I am obviously aiming to be the best nine in Super League, which is a big aim of mine for this year – and getting into that World Cup squad.
“For me, I think it can be achievable. If the team’s playing well that will help me a lot; I think the players around me will make it possible.”
O’Connor was among a scattering of senior players who featured when Leeds Rhinos began their pre-season campaign with an 18-10 home win against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day.
He said: “The first half of pre-season is done now and I feel like we are building really well.
“Personally and as a team, we are looking a bit sharper having had another pre-season under [coach] Brad Arthur, which is only going to benefit us going into next year.”
Of his rise up the squad number order from 14 to nine, O’Connor added: “I was quite happy with it. I felt like, after last season, I’ve earned it and it’s a good positive going into next year.”
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