Leeds Rhinos news: Test forward agrees long-term contract extension as 'win silverware' vow made

Samoan international Keenan Palasia’s previous deal was due to expire this autumn, but he is now committed to Rhinos until the end of 2029. Leeds announced the news this morning (Saturday), an hour after revealing second-rower James McDonnell will depart the club following the 2026 season.

Brisbane-born Palasia joined Rhinos a year ago from NRL club Gold Coast Titans and made 28 appearances last term, all but two in the starting lineup. Able to play at prop or loose-forward, he has been awarded the number 13 jersey for the upcoming campaign.

“I’m really pleased to get it all sorted before the season starts,” Palasia said. “That was the main thing for me, to get it done so I can fully focus on my footy, put my best foot forward and hopefully help this club win some silverware.”

Palasia, 28, went on: “The boys have made it really easy to transition over here, not just into the team, but also life away from rugby league. It’s a credit to the club; we don’t just sign good players, we sign good people. That’s the kind of club I want to be a part of for a long time.”

Palasia feels he can win silverware during his time with Leeds. He insisted: “Coming off the back of a tough final season in the NRL, coming over here and finding my form again has been massive for me. I can thank the coaching staff and the team around me for that.

“The success of the team has rubbed off on me and now it’s about carrying that through over the next few years. Every professional athlete wants to win competitions. We want to challenge for silverware, starting with the Challenge Cup, then pushing for the league and the Super League.”

Palasia also paid tribute to Rhinos’ supporters. He said: “There is no game without the fans. Having them behind us, especially at AMT Headingley, gives you that extra lift and I really appreciate their support.”

Leeds coach Brad Arthur reckons there’s more to come from Palasia after the impressive start to his Betfred Super League career. He said: “Keenan is very much appreciated by his team mates for the qualities he brings to our group.

“He has entered a new stage of his career in the last two years and really matured into a dependable player who puts his team first. The good news for the Rhinos is there is even more he can still [achieve] and I know he is hungry to do that in the coming years with this group of players.”

Sporting Director Ian Blease added, “We are delighted Keenan has committed his long-term future to the club. He was a Grand Finalist with Brisbane in the NRL just a few years ago and I think it speaks volumes for how well he has settled in here at the Rhinos that he sees his future with us and in the Super League competition.”