It took them longer than the rest of Super League, but Leeds Rhinos have now began to announce their 2026 recruits.
Jeremiah Mata’utia has signed from the Queensland Cup on an initial 12-month contract, with the club hoping for him to have a Cooper Jenkins-esque impact. Whilst he may not have any NRL experience, he has done enough to impress Ian Blease and Brad Arthur who be keen to see him become a strong addition to the Headingley pack.
Back-rower Ethan O’Neill will also don the Blue and Amber next year, after signing a three-year contract. The ex-Leigh Leopards man was under contract at the Leigh Sports Village for another year, but the club agreed a release for him to sign with the eight time Super League champions.
Other signings, such as Danny Levi are understood to be on the way, but the forward pair are currently the only two signings the club have announced.
In terms of outgoings, Leeds have said goodbye to eight players this off-season, three of which were still under contract.
Andy Ackers (Bradford), James Bentley (Warrington) and Jack Sinfield (Wakefield) have all left Headingley early, whilst the likes of Sam Lisone and Morgan Gannon have also gone on to pastures new.
With that in mind, we have delved into the current squad depth and contract situation at the Rhinos, and there are some key positions that are in need of some additions.
Leeds Rhinos squad depth assessed following arrival of Leigh Leopards man
At present, Leeds currently have 25 players in their first team squad for next year, and that doesn’t include any potential academy graduates that may be promoted to the Super League squad ahead of next season. The likes of Fergus McCormack, George Brown and Zak Lloyd will all be pushing for a first team opportunity next year, but aren’t included in this list having not yet made their Super League debut.
Full-back: Alfie Edgell (2026), Lachie Miller (2027)
Having announced a new deal for star man Miller earlier this month, Leeds have one of their biggest attacking threats locked in for at least another two seasons.
Despite playing the majority of his senior Rhinos career on the wing, Edgell’s natural position is at full-back, and is the recognised back-up for Miller. His contract runs out in 12 months time, though, and could be on the move if he wants to pursue more regular game time.
Wing:Â Ryan Hall (2026), Maika Sivo (2027), Riley Lumb (2029)
Leeds have two vastly experienced wingers and one of the game’s brightest prospects on the flanks.
Headingley legend Hall will go round for what looks to be a final season, whilst Sivo will look to finally start his Rhinos career after an ACL injury ruled him out for the whole of 2025.
Lumb is the long-term future of the club, and showed promise after scoring 11 tries in 18 matches to start the season.
Centre:Â Harry Newman, Ned McCormack, Max Simpson (all 2026), Ash Handley (2029)
England international Newman will be one of Leeds’ biggest contract decisions going into the new season. Still only 25, the Huddersfield-born talent finished 2025 with a career best 12 tries, and looks to be back to his best.
Co-captain Ash Handley is locked in long term, and has adapted seamlessly since his positional switch. Youngsters McCormack and Simpson are in for big years individually, with both needed to prove they are worthy of a new deal.
Halves: Brodie Croft, Jake Connor (both 2026)
One of Leeds’ biggest worries at the moment is the halves. Should one of Croft or Connor get injured or suspended, there are no recognised halves in the first team.
Brown, who as mentioned is yet to make his first-team debut, looks to be next in line, with Fergus McCormack another that could potentially step in. However, if one of the two starters are out for an extended period, would Leeds be comfortable throwing in a youngster in at the deep end in such a key position?
Props: Keenan Palasia, Jeremiah Mata’utia*, Cooper Jenkins (all 2026), Tom Nicholson-Watton (2027), Mikolaj Oledzki, Tom Holroyd (both 2028)
New signing Mata’utia will be looking to fill the large Sam Lisone-sized gap created with his exit to Hull FC, and is expected to be used off the bench.
Both Palasia and Jenkins impressed in their maiden years, whilst Oledzki’s form earned him a place in the England squad.
*Mata’utia has an option to extend for a further year in his contract
Hooker: Jarrod O’Connor (2026)
Another position where the club are extremely light, Ackers’ exit means that Leeds only have O’Connor as a recognised hooker.
Much has been said about Danny Levi’s imminent move to the club, however as it stands the Widnes academy product remains as Leeds’ only number nine.
Back-row: Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Toby Warren (all 2026), Ben Littlewood (2027), Ethan O’Neill (2028)
Leeds’ back row options are stacked, with three players all worthy of a first team spot.
England international Watkins has been in incredible form since his return in April, whilst pre-injury, O’Neill was one of Leigh’s best forwards. James McDonnell also had a brilliant year, and was selected in the Super League Dream Team for his efforts.
Longer-term, both Toby Warren and Ben Littlewood provide good cover should they be called upon.
Loose forward: Cameron Smith (2026), Presley Cassell (2028)
Skipper Smith missed the majority of 2025 with a back injury, limiting his appearance tally to just 12. Watkins played the 13 role in his absence, and did so to a high level, meaning it could mean competition for the starting jersey next year.
Youngster Presley Cassell emerged onto the scene in brilliant fashion, and despite playing prop in his seven appearances, is much more suited to the loose forward role. With a full pre-season under Brad Arthur, he is expected to have a huge campaign in 2026.
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