Leeds Rhinos’ interest in former Australia and New South Wales player Dylan Walker has been confirmed by coach Brad Arthur.

Walker has scored 73 tries in 267 appearances in the southern hemisphere NRL, for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels. He was capped four times for Australia in 2014 and twice with New South Wales two years later.

The 31-year-old has played every game for Eels this season, mainly off the bench, but is out of contract at the end of the campaign. He can play centre, in the halves, or at loose-forward - all positions where Leeds are losing a player this autumn.

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Leeds Rhinos target Dylan Walker offloads the ball during Parramatta Eels' round 13 NRL fixture at Newcastle Knights on May 30 this year. Picture by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos target Dylan Walker offloads the ball during Parramatta Eels' round 13 NRL fixture at Newcastle Knights on May 30 this year. Picture by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images.

Asked at a Magic Weekend preview press conference today (Monday) if Walker is a signing that could happen, Arthur confirmed: “Yes, it is. We’ve had a few conversations with him.

“I don’t know exactly where it’s at at this moment in time, but he is close to deciding what his future looks like and I think we are a possibility there.”

Rhinos have announced one signing for 2027 and beyond with second-rower Morgan Gannon returning to the club after a season in the NRL with Auckland-based Warriors. He will replace James McDonnell, who is heading to Perth Bears along with centre Harry Newman and prop Mikolaj Oledzki.

Stand-off Brodie Croft has signed for Warrington Wolves on a deal beginning next season and loose-forward Cameron Smith will join Wakefield Trinity. Rhinos have pledged to give teenager George Brown an opportunity at six in 2027, but have also been looking for a utility-player who can slot into that and other positions.