Leeds Rhinos are “working through options” and aim to announce at least one new signing before the end of the season.
So far, the Rhinos have confirmed one addition for 2025, with Betfred Super League’s all-time leading try scorer, Ryan Hall, returning to the club from Hull KR. Sporting director Ian Blease and coach Brad Arthur are conducting “due diligence” on potential recruits and could finalize one or more deals within the next two weeks.
Arthur has emphasized the need to bolster the front-row and increase competition in the backs. With two overseas spots available following the departures of second-row Rhyse Martin and winger David Fusitu’a, the Rhinos are looking to make moves despite limitations on the salary cap.
“We are still working through it,” Blease told the Yorkshire Evening Post today [Tuesday]. “I have just had a conversation with Brad, we have got some options to look at, but there’s not a lot of cap space and we have to make sure we get it right.
Although the salary cap situation restricts the Rhinos’ ability to make new signings, they are optimistic about having two players who haven’t featured this year, and one with just six appearances in 2024, back in contention for next season. Centre Max Simpson, sidelined since pre-season 2023 due to a knee injury, is aiming for a return in the new year following further surgery.
Second-row Morgan Gannon, who was unavailable for the entire campaign due to two concussions in pre-season, has impressed Arthur in training and is expected to return next year. Prop Tom Holroyd, limited to just six games this season due to two separate concussions, is also anticipated to be back in the mix.
The Rhinos have not yet commented on the futures of winger David Fusitu’a, three-quarter Luis Roberts, and hooker Corey Johnson, but they are expected to depart when their contracts end this autumn, with an announcement from the club likely in the coming days. Rhyse Martin has signed with Hull KR, and forward James Donaldson will play part-time rugby with Bradford Bulls starting in 2025.
Martin, Fusitu’a, and Donaldson are set to make their final home appearance for Leeds in Friday’s match against Hull FC. Neither Roberts nor Johnson has featured in the first team since Arthur’s appointment in July.
Front-rower Kieran Hudson, who joined Leeds from Castleford Tigers in pre-season, may also be on his way out. Despite not making a first-team appearance, he has played in the reserves and on dual-registration for Halifax Panthers. At 24, he is the only player with a 2024 number who has not been included in an initial 21-man squad. With limited opportunities likely again next season, the YEP understands he is seeking a new opportunity, and the Rhinos are unlikely to obstruct his move if he finds a new club.