Former Test, State of Origin and NRL back Nick Cotric has become Leeds Rhinos’ second signing of the day from Super League rivals Catalans Dragons.
The winger/centre, who was capped twice by Australia in 2019 and has also represented Serbia, will join Rhinos next season on a four-year deal.
His signing was confirmed this afternoon (Thursday), just hours after the club announced a two-year contract for his countryman and current Dragons teammate Edenn Rogers-Smith.
The duo take Rhinos’ signing for next year to four, following Morgan Gannon from New Zealand Warriors and Dylan Walker of Parramatta Eels.
Cotric had been contracted to Catalans for 2027 but the Dragons have released the outside back from the final year of his contract, meaning there is no transfer fee involved.
The 27-year-old had two spells with Canberra Raiders and also featured in the Aussie competition for Canterbury Bulldogs before moving to Catalans ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Having scored 63 tries during 149 NRL appearances, he has touched down six times in 43 games with the French club.
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“I am really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos and looking forward to getting started,” he said.
“Leeds is a massive club with a great history and a huge supporter base and I am really looking forward to experiencing that at AMT Headingley.
“I have enjoyed my time in Super League and feel I still have plenty to offer.
“The opportunity to work with Brad [Arthur] and the coaching staff and to be part of what Ian [Blease] and the club are building was a big factor in my decision.
“I am coming to Leeds determined to work hard, contribute to the team and hopefully help the club challenge for trophies.”
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What Leeds Rhinos’ boss said about Nick Cotric signing
Rhinos boss Arthur said: “Nick has a huge amount of experience for his age.
“He has played at the highest level in the NRL, represented his state and country and has now had two seasons of Super League experience.
“He is strong, athletic and understands what it takes to perform at the top level.”
The coach added: “It is great to have both Nick and Edenn joining us for 2027.
“They are two different players who bring qualities we believe will make our squad better.”
Blease, Rhinos’ sporting director, insisted: “Both players have different stories and different attributes, but we believe they are the right profiles for our squad.
“Nick’s experience speaks for itself – to have played nearly 150 NRL games, represented New South Wales and Australia and then established himself in Super League shows the level he has operated at.
“He has also gained a good understanding of the competition and what is required to play here.
“There is still plenty of work to do between now and the start of next season, but these are two important additions to our squad and we believe both players can make a significant contribution to the Rhinos.”
Leeds Rhinos have strengthened their back line for next season with the signing of Nick Cotric from Catalans Dragons on a four-year contract until the end of the 2030 Super League season.
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— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 3, 2026
