Leeds Rhinos hooker, Jarrod O’Connor, has confirmed that he wants to be the club’s starting number nine next season, following the departure of Andy Ackers.

O’Connor, who made his Leeds debut in 2020, originally started out as a loose forward, before developing into a hooker during his time at Headingley.

He has featured in the role for the past three seasons, and has been back-up to Ackers, as well as Kruise Leeming when he was still in Blue and Amber.

Now, he wants to be the one in pole position, and with Ackers’ injury problems last season, followed by his move to Bradford Bulls, he has shown that he is able to have that responsibility going into next year.

Speaking in an interview with club media, O’Connor, 24, commented on how good it is to be back in pre-season, and how this off-season is going to be one of his biggest yet.

“[Being back] is really enjoyable and we all get each other through, especially some of the big middles who find it a bit tough. We always help each other through, but it’s been really enjoyable,” he said.

“Every year is pretty big, but I want to be the starting nine Obviously, squad numbers haven’t been released or anything, but I’m pushing for that [nine jersey] and hopefully a big pre-season will help towards that.”

As mentioned, O’Connor played the most of 2025 as Leeds’ first choice, and started in all but five of his 27 matches. The hooker topped the tackle count across the whole of Super League, and became the only player to make over 1,000 tackles throughout the campaign.

Commenting on how he thought this year went, he thought overall it was a hugely positive one.

“Yeah, really good. Obviously, a disappointing end to it, but like I said, that starting nine spot is what I want and obviously getting to finish the season, and have it for most of the year was really good,” he said.

“I had some competition with [Andy] Ackers, we know how good he is. But yes, I’m really happy with how it ended.”

Leeds Rhinos man hails new signings and discusses Brad Arthur impact

Leeds have brought in two new recruits, Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia from Leigh Leopards and the Queensland Cup respectively. According to the hooker, they have settled in incredibly well, even after just one week of training.

“They’ve slotted in really well,” said O’Connor. “Obviously, they’re some big bodies and Ethan, we saw what he could do last year at Leigh.

“Jerry I’m sure I read somewhere was 103kg, and then I asked him how big he was and he said he was 115kg, so I though I don’t know where that’s come from but yeah, he’s massive and I’m sure he’ll add some punch to our pack.”

This season will be the second full campaign under head coach Brad Arthur, following his decision to stay at the club for another 12 months.

O’Connor believes that having Arthur as a coach is incredible, with his NRL experience showing in terms of the way his off-seasons are conducted.

He said: “We obviously already knew what Brad was all about and I think it probably helps coming in and knowing exactly what to expect in pre-season.

“He makes it pretty obvious. You’ve got you’re job and you just have to nail your job. It’s quite easy, but difficult at the same time.

“All the coaching staff are really helpful, and they make your plan, your job very precise”