At least four Leeds Rhinos academy graduates will be at NRL clubs next year after Leigh Leopards’ England forward Owen Trout joined the exodus Down Under.

Trout has signed a two-year contract with Cronulla Sharks, beginning in 2027. The Wakefield-born prop/second-row joined Rhinos’ junior system from community club Stanley Rangers and made three first team appearances in 2019, as well as playing on loan with Dewsbury Rams and Featherstone Rovers.

He was transferred to Huddersfield Giants the following pre-season as part of a deal which brought Kruise Leeming to Leeds. The 26-year-old, whose older brother Kyle Trout is coach of Hunslet, joined Leigh ahead of the 2024 campaign and made his England debut against Australia at Wembley last October.

Owen Trout, seen in action for Leigh Leopards against St Helens last month, is heading to the NRL. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

His NRL move follows in the footsteps of another ex-Leeds youth player Morgan Gannon, who made his first appearance for New Zealand Warriors last weekend. Two more Leeds academy products, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki, will join Perth Bears next season, along with teammate James McDonnell.

Sharks general manager, football, Darren Mooney said: “Owen’s style of play is well suited for success in the NRL and we believe he is at the right stage of his career to make the move.”