Leeds Rhinos face battle to retain star man Brodie Croft as Super League rivals enter race
Leeds Rhinos’ hopes of keeping star stand-off Brodie Croft are facing a challenge from a surprise Super League rival.
The Yorkshire Evening Post understands Warrington Wolves are keen on adding the Australian stand-off to their squad when his Leeds deal ends this autumn. Croft joined Rhinos from Salford Red Devils in a big-money move ahead of the 2024 season.
Man of Steel with his previous club four years ago, he was fourth on the shortlist when initial candidates for this year’s award were announced last week.
He has failed to cross the whitewash only once in his nine Betfred Super League appearances this term and is the competition’s second-highest try scorer with 13, four behind teammate Maika Sivo and two ahead of Hull KR’s Joe Burgess. His haul includes a career best four tries in Rhinos’ 56-22 win at Huddersfield Giants last month.
Croft played for Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos before moving to England and has made no secret of his desire for a return to the southern hemisphere NRL at some stage, with new club Perth Bears mooted as a possible option. Rhinos have offered him a new contract and are not giving up hope of his staying at the club next year, but Warrington are now also in the running. They are looking for a new stand-off to replace England captain George Williams, who is heading to the NRL at the end of this season.