Here's what Leeds Rhinos’ squad numbers tell us about coach Brad Arthur’s plans for 2026

Rhinos initially planned to confirm their first team group early in the new year, following Boxing Day’s opening pre-season hit-out against Wakefield Trinity. However, an early warm-weather training camp in Tenerife gave Arthur the opportunity to make a decision sooner than expected and there are some surprises.

The headline is Cameron Smith’s loss of both the iconic 13 jersey he had worn since 2023 and the captaincy, now held by Ash Handley. Smith, who was joint-skipper with Handley last term and is entering his testimonial season, will wear number 17, as he did in 2021 and 2022. Keenan Palasia is Rhinos’ new 13.

Smith is out of contract next autumn, so speculation over his future is inevitable. Though from Castleford, the 27-year-old bleeds blue and amber, but his new status reflects a disappointing 2025 campaign which saw the loose-forward suffer two long-term injuries and make only 12 appearances, eight of those off the bench.

Interestingly, Tom Holroyd has regained the 10 jumper from Palasia. Holroyd was awarded that number for 2024, but lost it after an injury-hit campaign. His resurgence shows there is a way back for Smith.

Jarrod O’Connor’s promotion from 14 to nine is an indication of his growing status in the group and, perhaps surprisingly, his former slot has been taken by utility-back Chris Hankinson rather than off-season recruit Danny Levi. The club say Levi “opted” for the 23 shirt; while O’Connor remains first-choice hooker, the newcomer is certainly higher in the queue than his jersey indicates.

Rhinos put more emphasis on squad numbers than many of their rivals, but things can quickly change. Last season’s number 18, Jake Connor, missed only two games and was named Man of Steel and Leeds’ player of the year, while Matt Frawley (number seven) and Andy Ackers (nine) hardly featured and are no longer at the club. Connor’s success might be an omen of sorts for Max Simpson.

Rhinos have a high opinion of the rookie centre who has risen eight places in the pecking order. Simpson returned to the senior team last term after a three-year injury nightmare and – having recently signed a new contract – seems to be in pole position to become the long-term replacement for Harry Newman when he leaves Rhinos at the end of 2026.

It’s a strong squad, mixing youth and experience, but the inclusion of only two half-backs - Brodie Croft and Connor - is a concern. It’s also light on numbers, with only 26 awarded. Eleven academy graduates, however, are training with the first team during pre-season and will receive a number if called into the matchday squad.

Rhinos have used 30 players in each of the past three seasons so it seems likely some of the youngsters will get an opportunity next term. Half-back George Brown, hooker Joe Diskin and back-rower Zak Lloyd are among the names to watch out for.

Rhinos’ squad numbers for 2026 are: 1 Lachie Miller, 2 Maika Sivo, 3 Harry Newman, 4 Ash Handley, 5 Ryan Hall, 6 Brodie Croft, 7 Jake Connor, 8 Mikolaj Oledzki, 9 Jarrod O’Connor, 10 Tom Holroyd, 11 Kallum Watkins, 12 James McDonnell, 13 Keenan Palasia, 14 Chris Hankinson, 15 Cooper Jenkins, 16 Ethan O’Neill, 17 Cameron Smith, 18 Max Simpson, 19 Jeremiah Mata’utia, 20 Presley Cassell, 21 Alfie Edgell, 22 Riley Lumb, 23 Danny Levi, 24 Ned McCormack, 25 Ben Littlewood, 26 Tom Nicholson-Watton.

The following don’t yet have a squad number, but are part of the full-time group: George Brown, Oscar Brown, Joe Butterfield, Joe Diskin, Zak Lloyd, Fergus McCormack, Marcus Qareqare, Olly Smart, Harry Smith, Jacob Stead, Harley Thomas.