Leeds Rhinos fans review 2026 season: Las Vegas highlight, Challenge Cup blow and praise for Jake Connor
The 2026 Super League season is now history and it’s one many Leeds Rhinos supporters will remember fondly.
Though they ended the campaign empty-handed, Rhinos led the table for much of the year and played some outstanding rugby, topping the table for most points scored and fewest conceded. Here the YEP’s fans jury look back on the past eight months and ahead to what 2027 might bring.
BECKY OXLEY
It’s time once again to reflect on the season. While I’ve given considerable thought to the Warrington match over the past several days, my perspective remains unchanged. However, I prefer this season be remembered not for that particular game, but for the exceptional campaign we’ve delivered.
Securing second place in the league alongside numerous accolades - six players selected for the Dream Team, leading point scorers, the league's strongest defence, top try scorer and top goal scorer - demonstrates the calibre of our performance. My assessment of last season was encouraging, yet this year we have elevated our standards considerably. Finishing two positions higher, Brad Arthur has once again demonstrated why he represents an excellent match for our club. His mid-season contract extension for an additional two years reflected his genuine commitment to the club’s future. His unwavering dedication and transparent communication regarding our performance throughout each season exemplify the qualities supporters value most.
The players have demonstrated exceptional commitment and, regardless of who took the field, their reliability and contribution were consistently outstanding - precisely what any supporter could ask for. Jake Connor delivered another remarkable season and I was genuinely surprised he wasn’t considered for the Man of Steel award. His dominance at the Rhinos awards ceremony underscores the profound respect and admiration he commands from the club, team and supporters alike.
In conclusion, this season has provided numerous highlights and positive momentum heading forward. The 2027 season will present a different appearance on the pitch as several players depart, but with our leader at the helm I eagerly anticipate the direction our journey will take.
KATIE MARCZYNSKI
If I had to sum up our 2026 season in one word, I would go with 'surprising'. While there were definitely a few downs, there were plenty of enjoyable moments and, in the end, it was a decent year to be a Rhino. We might not have won any silverware, but I’m feeling positive for 2027 and have full faith in Brad Arthur and our wonderful club.
My highlight for this year was waking up in the middle of the night to watch us take on Hull KR in Las Vegas - what an advert for our great game and what a performance we put in. My low light was either being knocked out of the Challenge Cup so early by Wakefield, or falling short in the Super League semi final.
Saturday's Grand Final was a spectacle and a brilliant game to watch as a neutral. I am thrilled for Wakefield, who fully deserved their win - and not at all pleased that Warrington have now lost all five of their Grand Final appearances.
I can't say I’m that excited by the upcoming World Cup, just as well since I can’t watch it anywhere anyway! Instead, I’ll look forward to our game against Wakey on Boxing Day as I count down the days until February.
TOM GOLDSWORTHY
In another rollercoaster of a year, Leeds Rhinos had their best season in just under a decade as they finished second in the league, but failed to make a return to Old Trafford or Wembley. While it was a positive and enjoyable campaign, it is hard not to feel disappointed about finishing with no silverware, especially after being top of the table for the majority of the year.
In 2026 we saw Leeds play the best rugby they have since the Golden Generation as we dominated the Super League. I cannot remember the last time I turned up to games expecting us to win - rather than being hopeful - like I did this season. When we were on top form we were ruthless in attack and difficult to score points against.
Once again, Jake Connor was the main man who orchestrated our attack and at times dragged us to victory. The fact he wasn’t in the final three for Man of Steel or in the England squad is a travesty. It’s a shame other so-called star players did not step up to the plate when we needed them the most and injuries derailed our season.
Looking ahead, I am not sure how Leeds are going to fare next season. Losing so many of our long-serving key players, such as Cameron Smith and Harry Newman, is going to hinder us massively.
This was the first season in years where it felt like we had a settled squad so to lose so many starting players is discouraging. Ian Blease has a massive job on his hands to fill these gaps, but I do not have faith he can complete this massive task and make the team as competitive as it was this season.
DAVID MUHL
Well, that’s the season over and what a season it was. Firstly, congratulations to Wakefield on becoming the sixth winners of the Super League trophy.
If someone had said to me at the beginning of the season we’d finish second in the table with a home semi-final, I’d have bitten their hand off. It was just unfortunate that we hit our injury crisis at the wrong time, the end of the season. Although the youngsters who came in did well and it will hold them in good stead for next season, you can’t lose the likes of Lachie Miller and Ash Handley and not expect it to have a major impact.
Brad Arthur has done an excellent job since he arrived and I think we’re probably a year ahead of where he expected us to be. I really like the way Brad conducts himself, he has a no-nonsense approach and is obviously well liked by the players.
There were plenty of highlights during the year. Ironically, beating Warrington twice in the league was one of them, with Maika Sivo scoring a hat-trick in both games. The win against Hull KR in Vegas must also be there. Although I didn’t go, it was probably our most complete performance of the year.
The most disappointing part of the season was, once again, an early exit from the Challenge Cup. If I had a wish list for next season it would include a trip to Wembley to watch us lift that trophy.
A lot of players left at the end of the season and I wish them well. We will miss some more than others. I’m especially disappointed that James McDonnell is going, he has been superb for us. For the others I think we have fantastic replacements lined up, but James will be difficult to replace.
I’m already looking forward to next season and the Boxing Day match when we’ll be playing the Super League champions. A final word on Sir Kev, another superb 7-in-7 and more money and awareness raised for MND causes. Well done to all involved in the Rhinos this year.
IAIN SHARP
Forget Man of Steel, these are the awards that matter.
Rhinos making the opposition look good: Take your pick from Castleford away or either Hull at home and away.
Favourite cultural away day: Everyone is going to say Las Vegas, but a) I didn’t go and b) there are tubs of yoghurt with more culture. For me, it was Toulouse - a city Leeds should be like if our local council got its finger out.
Things that broke you wished hadn’t: Lachie Miller’s hamstring. That’s where our season
started to unravel.
Most written-about player: Jake Connor.
Player robbed in other awards lists: Jake Connor
Player most likely to be Jake Connor: Jake Connor
Ridiculous social media comment: Someone whinged about my brilliantly crafted send up
Hairdo of the year: There’s a few nominations here, but the winner’s that bloke for Wakefield.
Most ludicrous penalty: Only one outstanding nomination for that category.
Panto villain: See above.
That’s all from me until next year … or maybe Boxing Day.