Leeds Rhinos have reached a decision on signings for next year and begun talks with a star name who is entering the final season of his contract.

Rhinos have brought in three new faces since the end of the 2025 campaign, with hooker Danny Levi and forwards Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia all joining the squad in pre-season. The door isn’t closed on more additions, but the Yorkshire Evening Post understands Rhinos aren’t specifically looking to recruit anyone else for 2026.

Though something could still be done if an unexpected option becomes available, Rhinos have limited space on their salary cap, are happy with their squad as things stand and have prioritised players with one year left on contract. Mid-season signings Kallum Watkins and Chris Hankinson are both in the 2026 squad and Maika Sivo will be in the mix after missing the whole of this year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. A number of young players - including halves Fergus McCormack and George Brown and back-rower Zak Lloyd - are expected to push for a senior debut over the next 12 months.

Of the players who have moved on, Levi replaces Andy Ackers, O’Neill fills the vacancy left by James Bentley’s departure and Watkins takes the place of Morgan Gannon. Sam Lisone leaves big shoes to fill, but Rhinos are comfortable with their pack.

Hooker Danny Levi, recruited from Canberra Raiders, is one of three pre-season signings announced by Leeds Rhinos. Picture by Leeds Rhinos.

placeholder image — Hooker Danny Levi, recruited from Canberra Raiders, is one of three pre-season signings announced by Leeds Rhinos. Picture by Leeds Rhinos.

While Mata’utia - having not played top-flight rugby - is something of a ‘project’ signing, Cooper Jenkins, who was in a similar situation last year, is now established in the senior side. Leeds also have a new forward option in teenager Presley Cassell. He made his debut midway through the campaign and, after featuring seven times, will be pushing for a regular place in 2026, particularly with a full pre-season under his belt.

Rhinos are already planning for 2027. New deals have been agreed with Lachie Miller, Ash Handley and Jenkins, but 13 players who featured in 2025 are entering the final season of their current terms. One of those, England centre Harry Newman, is set to join Perth Bears when they enter the NRL in 2027.

Arguably the most eye-catching name on the list is reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor. Initially expected to be on the fringe of the side following his move from Huddersfield Giants - and awarded the number 18 jersey - he began the campaign at full-back and then switched into the halves, going on to win the club’s player of the year honour.

Rhinos are understood to now be in talks with the 31-year-old over a new contract and hopeful he will commit to a longer-term deal. He and Brodie Croft, whose contract also ends next autumn, are the remaining experienced specialist halves in Leeds’ senior squad.

Leeds Rhinos are in contract talks with reigning player of the year and Man of Steel Jake Connor. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

At this stage, teenagers Brown - the reigning academy player of the year - and Fergus McCormack are the only cover after Matt Frawley and Jack Sinfield both moved on at the end of last season. Rhinos’ director of rugby Ian Blease was in Las Vegas this week on a reconnaissance trip ahead of next February’s Super League clash with Hull KR at Allegiant Stadium. He travelled from the United States to Australia and is believed to be looking at potential recruits for 2027 and beyond.