{"id":288919,"date":"2025-11-29T01:46:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T01:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/288919\/"},"modified":"2025-11-29T01:46:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T01:46:14","slug":"leeds-rhinos-enter-contract-talks-to-keep-hold-of-star-man","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/288919\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds Rhinos enter contract talks to keep hold of star man"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Leeds\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos are in contract talks with their most prized asset.<\/p>\n

Half-back Jake Connor had an outstanding season after joining Rhinos from Huddersfield Giants 12 months ago, winning Super League\u2019s most prestigious individual honour \u2013 the Man of Steel \u2013 along with his club\u2019s player of the year prize.<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old, who was controversially left out of England\u2019s Ashes Test squad, moved to Leeds on a two-year contract which expires at the end of 2026 and will be free to talk to rival clubs from December 1.<\/p>\n

However, Rhinos are in pole position to retain the former Hull FC ace and Serious About Rugby League understands discussions are underway about a new deal, with the club hopeful a long-term agreement can be reached.<\/p>\n

Connor has been revitalised under Leeds<\/a> coach Brad Arthur and made no secret of how much he is enjoying life at his latest club.<\/p>\n

Speaking earlier in 2025 he said: \u201cI\u2019ve probably not enjoyed myself for the last two or three years and that has probably shown in my performances.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such a good group here, the way we play suits my style and thankfully everything has fallen into place.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrad wants game day to be fun and that\u2019s how I like to play. If I\u2019m not enjoying my rugby, it shows in my performance, but I\u2019m loving it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos state of play<\/p>\n

Connor is one of 13 players from Rhinos\u2019 2025 Super League squad who are entering the final year of their deal.<\/p>\n

Leeds are resigned to losing at least one of those, England centre Harry Newman, who is set to join Perth Bears when they enter the NRL in 2027.<\/p>\n

Rhinos\u2019 director of rugby Ian Blease was in Las Vegas this week on a reconnaissance trip ahead of next February\u2019s Super League clash with Hull KR at Allegiant Stadium.<\/p>\n

He travelled from the United States to Australia and is believed to be looking at potential recruits for 2027 and beyond.<\/p>\n

Leeds have made only three signings \u2013 hooker Danny Levi and forwards Ethan O\u2019Neill and Jeremiah Mata\u2019utia \u2013 since their campaign ended two months ago.<\/p>\n

Though the door isn\u2019t closed on more additions, they are not specifically looking to recruit anyone else for 2026.<\/p>\n

Something could still be done if an unexpected option becomes available, but Rhinos have limited space on their salary cap and are happy with their squad as things stand.<\/p>\n

Mid-season signings Kallum Watkins and Chris Hankinson are both in the 2026 squad and Maika Sivo will be in the mix after missing the whole of this year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.<\/p>\n

A number of young players \u2013 including halves Fergus McCormack and George Brown and back-rower Zak Lloyd \u2013 are expected to push for a senior debut over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n

Of the players who have moved on, Levi replaces Andy Ackers, O\u2019Neill fills the vacancy left by James Bentley\u2019s departure and Watkins takes the place of Morgan Gannon.<\/p>\n

Hull recruit Sam Lisone leaves big shoes to fill, but Rhinos are comfortable with their pack.<\/p>\n

While Mata\u2019utia \u2013 having not played top-flight rugby \u2013 is something of a \u2018project\u2019 signing, Cooper Jenkins, who was in a similar situation last year, is now established in the senior side.<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos also have a new forward option in teenager Presley Cassell. He made his debut midway through the campaign and, after featuring seven times, will be pushing for a regular place in 2026.<\/p>\n

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