Leeds Rhinos veteran winger Ryan Hall has spoken on the prospect of Maika Sivo returning in 2026 and how it may affect his own role at the club. As such, we’ve looked at what options Brad Arthur has available to him in the back line, particularly on the wing, next season.

Sivo and Hall both joined Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2025 season with Hall making his return to the club, whilst Sivo signed from Parramatta Eels, where he had been a regular under Brad Arthur.

Unfortunately for Leeds and for the Fijian winger, Sivo suffered a season-ending injury in the pre-season meaning that despite signing ahead of 2025, he will effectively be a new signing for 2026.

Club legend Ryan Hall has spoken on the Leeds Rhinos YouTube channel during the club’s warm weather training camp in Tenerife, outlining how important Sivo will be in 2026, admitting that he may ‘have to come a cropper’ at Sivo’s expense.

Hall explained: “He came as a big name signing and what he brings to the team is really valuable. I like to try and play that way to a degree and it’ll be nice to have him on the other side.

“Whatever happens with team selection, if I have to come a cropper to that every now and again this year by making way for young lads and making way for Maika.”

What does Leeds Rhinos’ back line depth look like?

Hall, who is heading into his 20th season of professional rugby league, stated that he knows his role within the team, adding: “Wherever I can do a job, I want to do a job.

“If I get the opportunity to play most games then I’d love to do that alongside Maika, if he gets the opportunity also.”

The thought of Sivo on one wing and Hall on the other would strike fear into opposition wingers with both men incredibly powerful. Moreover, they both have strong carries out of backfield which would help the Rhinos set a platform very well.

However, there’s plenty of talent behind them and that could mean minutes being managed throughout the season. We’ve looked at what other options the Rhinos have in their backline heading into 2026.

Full-back

There’s a clear number one in the number one shirt and that’s Lachie Miller but there is also a number of back-ups with the versatile Chris Hankinson being one of them. Able to cover all across the backs, Hankinson signed a new one-year deal with the club and could prove to be a valuable asset again. Youngster Alfie Edgell and Man of Steel Jake Connor are also adept at full-back if needed.

Winger

Hankinson will again feature here as he spent the end of last season as the starting winger opposite Hall, however, Sivo’s return to fitness could force the ex-Salford man out of the picture.

Beyond that senior trio are a host of youngsters with Alfie Edgell and Riley Lumb those who have featured most in the first team, albeit Edgell has spent time at full-back on occasion too.

Centre

Centre is potentially where Leeds are deepest with starters Harry Newman and Ash Handley backed up by Hankinson once again, but also the likes of Max Simpson and Ned McCormack.

Kallum Watkins can shift into the centres, as he did at times in 2025, but the concern for the Rhinos would be how they look in 2027 as Harry Newman leaves for Perth, particularly given the fact Hankinson and McCormack are off-contract at the end of 2026.

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