Rhinos have confirmed seven recruits, but several of those look like long-term projects and coach Brad Arthur will have big decisions to make at wing, centre, stand-off, prop and back-row, as well the bench. Of the new faces, Nick Cotric, Morgan Gannon - who has returned to his first professional club after a season in the southern hemisphere NRL - and experienced Aussie Dylan Walker look likely to be in the first-choice 13.
Pre-season will go a long way to determining who features when the new season kicks off - expected to be in late-January - but here’s how we think Rhinos could line up for Super League round one, plus candidates for the 21-man squad.
7. Stand-off: George Brown
It’s a big ask for a 19-year-old with four first team games to his belt, but Rhinos have said Brown will get an opportunity to replace Brodie Croft as first-choice number six. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
8. Scrum-half: Jake Connor
Should be rested and motivated following his World Cup snub. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Prop: Keenan Palasia
Could be asked to do longer minutes following Mikolaj Oledzki’s departure. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
10. Hooker: Jarrod O’Connor
It’ll be a surprise if O’Connor’s not first-choice nine when the new campaign begins. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
11. Prop: Cooper Jenkins
Was a starter for most of this year and might get first dibs in 2027. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
12. Second-row: Morgan Gannon
Back at Leeds after a year with New Zealand Warriors, he'll be a definite starter when fit. Photo: Joshua Devenie/www.photosport.nz PhotoSportNZ/SWpix.com.