Leeds Rhinos confirm 'firm offer' to Brodie Croft as Warrington Wolves and NRL chase star stand-off

Rhinos are keen to keep the 28-year-old Australian, whose deal ends this autumn. But, as the Yorkshire Evening Post revealed yesterday (Monday), they are facing competition from Betfred Super League rivals Warrington Wolves and Croft is also considering possible options in the southern hemisphere NRL.

Leeds haven’t given Croft a deadline to make his decision, but with planning already underway for next year they are hoping the situation will be resolved soon. Croft has been a star performer so far this term, crossing for 13 tries and scoring in all but one of his nine Super League appearances.

Rhinos have high hopes for teenage stand-off George Brown, who made four appearances at the start of the campaign before suffering a long-term knee injury, but would look to bring in an experienced number six if Croft did move on. Outlining the club’s position, sporting director Ian Blease confirmed: “We are in negotiations and we’re waiting for him to get back to us. We have made a firm offer, we want to keep him and it’s now down to the player.”

At least four members of this year’s squad - Perth Bears-bound centre Harry Newman, prop Mikolaj Oledzki and second-row James McDonald, plus loose-forward Cameron Smith who has signed for Wakefield Trinity - will leave Rhinos when they come out of contract this autumn. Young centre Ned McCormack is also expected to depart and veteran winger Ryan Hall hasn’t decided if he’ll play on for another season.

Rhinos have yet to announce any signings for 2027 and Blease said: “We are still looking at options. We won’t rush into it. We want players who are going to add to the squad, not just signings for signings’ sake. We are doing our due diligence and methodically looking at our options.”

Boss Brad Arthur, Super League’s April coach of the month, is on a rolling contract and has pledged to make a decision on his future by the end of June.