Leeds Rhinos news: star player to leave at end of 2026 as NRL exodus continues
A second senior player has told Leeds Rhinos he will leave at the end of the 2026 season.
Forward James McDonnell, a member of last season’s Betfred Super League Dream Team, is poised for a move to the southern hemisphere NRL. England centre Harry Newman has already signed a two-year deal with new Australian club Perth Bears, beginning when his Leeds contract expires this autumn.
Rhinos today (Saturday) confirmed McDonnell will “pursue an option to play in the NRL from next season”. They have not commented on McDonnell’s destination, but the Yorkshire Evening Post understands he is set to link up with Newman at Perth when the Western Australia club enter the NRL in 2027.
Rhinos have already begun planning to fill the gap left by McDonnell’s impending departure, with sporting director Ian Blease recently returning from a recruitment trip to Australia. The 25-year-old’s exit could also create an opportunity for some of Rhinos’ young home-grown forwards, including Ben Littlewood and Zak Lloyd.
McDonnell joined Leeds from Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2023 season and has become a mainstay of the team, scoring 14 tries in 80 appearances. He was ever-present last term and signed a new one-year contract midway through the season.
As well as Dream Team selection, his form earned him a place in England’s Ashes training group, though he wasn’t called into the Test squad. Rhinos coach Brad Arthur admitted: “It is disappointing to lose James for 2027, but there is a long time to go between now and then.
“James is a great example, particularly for our younger players, of where hard work and dedication can take you. For those in the squad, they know there is a spot up for grabs next year and that should drive them on. Likewise, on Ian’s recent visit to Australia there was a lot of interest from players about what we are building here at the Rhinos, so I have every confidence we can continue to build a strong squad for the future.”
Blease added: “When we agreed a contract extension with James back in April last year we knew his ambitions as a player, just like when he left his hometown club at Wigan to gain regular rugby [on loan] at Leigh and then came across to Leeds to make a name for himself at the Rhinos.
“He has tremendous self belief and drive which, as a club, we have benefitted from in recent years. I know he will give his all this season before moving on. We have both agreed to make a decision as early as possible in the year so we can plan for 2027 and I am grateful James has been up front at the earliest opportunity. He had an outstanding season in 2025 and I am expecting even better in 2026.”
Newman and McDonnell will take the number of ex-Leeds players in the NRL to three, following in the footsteps of another second-rower, Morgan Gannon, who is this season beginning a three-year contract with New Zealand Warriors.