Coach Brad Arthur used 30 players in as many competitive games with three of them not missing a match. Half-back Jake Connor was a Man of Steel nominee and the coaches’ choice as player of the year and both he and James McDonnell were included in the Betfred Super League Dream Team. Full-back Lachie Miller was Rhinos’ fans’ player of the year and his touchdown at Hull KR in July was voted the best try.
Fourth place on the table was an improvement of four places on 2024 and, though they fell at the first hurdle in the play-offs, Leeds beat 10 of their 11 rivals at least once, Catalans Dragons being the exception. Here’s how the YEP rated Rhinos’ players in 2025. Only those who made more than one appearance have been given a mark.
13. Cameron Smith (no 13)
Four starts, eight sub, four ties. A frustrating year; hit by two long-term injuries and had to adjust to an unfamiliar job off the bench when he was fit 5 Photo: Steve Riding
14. Jarrod O'Connor (NO 14)
22 starts, five sub, one try. Super League’s top tackler, took over as Rhinos’ first-choice hooker and proved consistent and reliable 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sam Lisone (no 15)
30 appearances as sub, nine tries. Ever-present off the bench; scored some important tries and was the best impact player in the comp’ in mid-season, but started and finished the year slowly 6 Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
16. Morgan Gannon (no 16)
18 starts, six sub, seven tries. An impressive return from a year out through injury, made a big contribution in defense and added some versatility 7+ Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
17. Cooper Jenkins (no 17)
19 starts, five sub, one try. New to the top level, but showed some good signs and has lots of improvement in him 7 Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
18. Jake Connor (no 18)
28 starts, eight tries, 93 goals, one drop goal. Man of Steel, Dream Team member, Rhinos’ player of the year; couldn’t have done much more 9 Photo: Tony Johnson