Leeds Rhinos won’t be signing Hull FC’s powerhouse prop Herman Ese’ese “at this stage”.

Rhinos were rumoured to be chasing the 31-year-old former Samoa and New Zealand Test forward and the Yorkshire Evening Post understands there was some interest from the AMT Headingley club. But asked at his weekly preview press conference today (Tuesday) about Ese’ese - who is under contract at Hull until the end of 2029 - Arthur said: “He is not coming at this stage.”

However, the Leeds boss did not rule out a signing before Betfred Super League’s 2026 transfer deadline on August 21. He stated: “There could be something, there could be some movement. We’ve got 10 days, haven’t we? There could be something for us coming.”

Rhinos still have a relatively healthy squad, but backs Max Simpson and George Brown were ruled out for the season early in the year, forward Ben Littlewood joined them last month and now winger Alfie Edgell has joined them on that list. In addition, winger Maika Sivo (broken arm) and forward Keenan Palasia (foot) won’t play until the final round of the regular campaign and hooker Danny Levi is expected to miss at least two more games with the neck damage he sustained last month.

Leeds Rhinos winger Alfie Edgell's season is over after he was hurt trying to score against Wakefield Trinity last week. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos winger Alfie Edgell's season is over after he was hurt trying to score against Wakefield Trinity last week. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

Edgell was injured during last Friday’s 24-22 win at Wakefield Trinity and Arthur confirmed Ryan Hall will return in his place at home to Leigh Leopards on Thursday after missing five games because of a foot injury. The coach said: “Poor Alfie, his luck has struck again against him.

“In his effort to try and score a try for us the other night he tore his quad. Bravely enough, he was able to play on for us. He couldn’t stride out, but he knew he had to stay out there for us.

“He was able to play the remaining 30 of the second half, but unfortunately for him his season is done. But he is a tough kid, he has been there before, he will rehab it and go again.”

Hull FC's Herman Ese'ese in action against St Helens last week. Picture by Callum Pilkington/SWpix.com.

Edgell was just two games into his comeback after similar damage to his other leg, sustained last Boxing Day. He suffered a broken jaw in the 2025 pre-season, followed by shoulder and foot injuries during last year, but Arthur stressed the 21-year-old’s luck will change.

“You can’t sugar coat it, it’s just what it is,” Arthur admitted. “We’ll just keep reaffirming to him that every time he has got his opportunity he has made the most of it. His luck will change at some stage if he makes it change, in terms of staying strong.

“It can’t happen to him forever, he is only young, he has got plenty of time. The club has invested their time in him so it’s not like he is playing for a contract or anything. He can just be patient and rehab it and do all the right things and get another chance next year.”

Arthur added: “He is such a good person. Everyone’s really shattered for him, but we know he’s strong and we know he will fight hard to get himself back.”