Leeds Rhinos news: pre-season boost as 'natural competitor' signs contract extension
Hooker Jarrod O’Connor has tipped Leeds Rhinos for an “exciting future” after his new contract was confirmed today.
O’Connor, who had a season left on his previous deal, is now committed to Rhinos until the end of 2028. His decision has been hailed as “a major boost” for the club, coming a day after they announced loose-forward Cameron Smith will leave when his current terms expire at the end of this year.
O’Connor made his Rhinos debut in 2020 and has scored six tries and two goals in 124 appearances. He was top tackler in Betfred Super League last year, with 1,047 and has been promoted to the number nine jersey for 2026.
The 24-year-old former Widnes Vikings forward had been linked with the NRL as well as rival Super League clubs, but said: “I am incredibly proud to play for the Rhinos and I am excited about the future for this group of players. It is great to get the deal agreed before the season gets started and I am grateful to [sporting director] Ian Blease and [coach] Brad Arthur for the faith they have shown in me. We have got tremendous competition within our squad this season and that will only bring out the best in everyone, in training and games.”
Arthur insisted O’Connor “thoroughly deserves this new deal”. He said: “He is a natural competitor who always strives to be better, which is a great attitude to have. He is a good example to our younger players, especially the versatility he has shown in adapting to becoming an established hooker in Super League, but he can also perform other roles for us too.”
Blease was “delighted” to get the long-term deal done. He said: “Jarrod is one of our most consistent performers in training and games. He has matured into an established Super League regular now and it’s a great boost to us to have him signed up for the next three seasons at least.”