Leeds Rhinos hooker Jarrod O’Connor will have a big decision to make regarding his future beyond 2026, with the star out of contract at the end of the season.
The Widnes-born talent is one of eight players currently in the Rhinos first team with less than 12 months on their deal, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs, be that in Super League or the NRL.
Reports elsewhere have linked O’Connor to a move down under, and should he make the switch across the world would be the fourth Rhinos in two seasons to do so, following in the footsteps of Morgan Gannon, Harry Newman and James McDonnell.
However, speaking to Serious About Rugby League earlier this week, O’Connor was happy with his position at Headingley, and hinted that he was in no rush to make any sort of career-changing switch.
Speaking at the Leeds Rhinos media day, he said: “It’d always be interesting to listen and see what’s out there. There’s obviously different lifestyles over here and all different competition, which would be interesting, but I’m not pushing for it.
“It’s always interesting, like it is with anyone who’s out of contracts, any clubs coming in, even if it’s over here, it’s someone to listen to, but I’m hopefully close to getting something sorted soon.”
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Leeds Rhinos star discusses hooker competition after Danny Levi’s arrival
O’Connor has been given the number nine jersey at the club, something he has been wanting for a while.
After being first choice for the majority of the year in 2025, the 24-year-old’s jersey may suggest he is the favoured nine, but there is no certainty he will be in the starting 13 each week.
Danny Levi’s arrival from the NRL means that Leeds still have two quality hookers, who both bring different styles of play.
O’Connor is a more defensive nine, whilst Levi is more attack-minded, and likes to make metres from quicker rucks, something that the referees will look to make more permanent in 2026.
Commenting on his new competition, the Englishman said: We’ve all seen him a few years ago when he was over at Huddersfield, how good he is, and he’s been really good.
“He’s come in and obviously we’re working together and trying to push each other as much as we can, which is obviously always really good for the squad.
“It’s just going really well, and hopefully we can work together and I feel like we’ll benefit each other the way we do.”
