Leeds Rhinos news: 2nd signing completed as forward joins from Super League rivals
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed their second pre-season signing.
Australian forward Ethan O’Neill has crossed the Pennines from Betfred Super League rivals Leigh Leopards on a three-year contract which runs until the end of 2028. Leeds’ interest in O’Neill was revealed by the Yorkshire Evening Post last week.
The 26-year-old scored seven tries in 22 games for Leigh this year after joining them 12 months ago from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears. He had stints training with South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos without making an NRL appearance and also featured in the Queensland Cup for Tweed Seagulls and Central Capras, as well as with the Rabbitohs’ second string in the New South Wales competition.
Son of former Leigh, London Broncos, Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and Wakefield Trinity half-back Julian O’Neill, he was born in Sydney, but played his first junior rugby in this country and is not on the overseas quota. The second-rower said he has been “grinning from ear to ear since I found out I was coming to the Rhinos”.
He stated: “I can’t wait to be ripping in and meeting all the coaching staff and the boys. I am coming into an awesome side who performed really well last season and were unlucky in the play-offs. I feel like we can take a few steps further forward and hopefully win some silverware this coming season.”
O’Neill added: “I really enjoyed my experience with Leigh Leopards and I am grateful to them for giving me the chance to play in Super League. I feel like I want to back myself more and have a bit more of a voice and be more vocal on the back of that.
“I can’t wait to work with Brad Arthur. He’s a really good coach with NRL calibre and I feel I’m going to learn a lot from him and the rest of the coaching staff. I’m glad to be here for the start of pre-season so I can start gelling with the group.”
Leeds announced the signing of giant Australian forward Jeremiah Mata’utia from North Queensland Cowboys earlier this week. He replaces Sam Lisone, while O’Neill fills the vacancy left by the release of James Bentley, who has since joined Warrington Wolves.
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said: “Ethan showed his potential last year at Leigh and will be a good addition to our current squad. We have looked to strengthen our forward pack for this season.
“When we knew Morgan Gannon would be leaving to the NRL we moved quickly to bring Kallum Watkins in for 2026 and now we have been able to replace James Bentley with Ethan. He has got all the attributes we’re looking for in a modern forward: power, mobility, and a great attitude towards his development and has already shown he can perform at Super League level.”
Rhinos boss Brad Arthur said: “I’m really pleased to bring Ethan on board. He will start pre-season with us this week with the rest of the boys and I am sure he will settle in well in our group.”