Leeds Rhinos have challenged Jamaica international forward Delaine Gittens to “see how good he can become” after plucking him from the part-time rugby league.

The London-born 25-year-old has penned a one-year contract, less than a month after agreeing a new deal with Championship club Halifax Panthers, who have now released him from that arrangement. Gittens began 2026 with Workington Town, making 10 appearances before a mid-season move to Halifax for whom he featured 16 times.

He came through London Broncos’ youth system, has also played for Coventry Bears, London Skolars and Barrow Raiders and is stepping up to Super League for the first time, though he had a spell training with Leigh Leopards last pre-season.

Rhinos regard Gittens as a project signing who will add depth to their squad. Coach Brad Arthur stated: “What interests me about Delaine is that he has had to work for the opportunities he’s had in the game. He has experienced different environments and had to find ways to keep pushing his career forward. He’s a young forward who still has development in him and we want to create an environment where he can come in, work hard and see how good he can become.”

New Leeds Rhinos signing Delaine Gittens, middle of picture, seen in April, 2025 when he played for Barrow Raiders. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — New Leeds Rhinos signing Delaine Gittens, middle of picture, seen in April, 2025 when he played for Barrow Raiders. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

Sporting Director Ian Blease insisted: “Delaine is an interesting signing for us because there’s still plenty of potential for him to fulfil. He has taken a different route through the game, but we feel there is more to come from him and we want to allow him to show that.

“Recruitment isn’t just about looking at where a player is today; it’s also about understanding where they could get to and whether they have the character and desire to keep improving. We believe Delaine has those qualities and we see this as an opportunity for both the player and the club.”

The player himself pledged to grasp his unexpected chance. He said: “Getting the opportunity to join Leeds Rhinos is something I’m really proud of.

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur. Picture by Steve Riding.

“My journey in rugby hasn’t always been straightforward, but every club I’ve been at has helped me learn more about myself as a player and what I need to do to keep improving. Representing Jamaica was a proud moment for me, and experiences like that have made me even more determined to see how far I can take my career.

“I know I still have plenty to prove and I see this as a massive opportunity to challenge myself, learn from the people around me and show what I’m capable of. I’m not coming in expecting anything to be handed to me.

“I want to earn the respect of the coaches and the boys through the way I train and play. If I can bring physicality, energy and a strong work ethic every week, then hopefully I can make a real contribution to the team.”

Gittens is Rhinos’ second signing in as many days after former Hull FC prop Hugo Salabio. Other recruits for 2027 are centre Nick Cotric, second-rower Edenn Rogers-Smith (both from Catalans Dragons), back-rower Morgan Gannon (New Zealand Warriors), stand-off/loose-forward Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels) and prop Wiremu Greig (North Queensland Cowboys).