Leeds Rhinos target replacement after Matt Lodge departure
Leeds Rhinos are looking to sign an overseas prop after parting company with late-season addition Matt Lodge.
The Yorkshire Evening Post understands Lodge, who joined Rhinos in August from NRL club North Queensland Cowboys on a short-term contract, is now back in Australia and not expected to return to Leeds. Fellow front-rower Mikolaj Oledzki made his farewell appearance in the semi-final defeat by Warrington Wolves two weeks ago ahead of his move to new club Perth Bears in the southern hemisphere competition next season.
The departures leave a gap in the squad, but Rhinos have targeted a front-row signing and are confident of completing a deal before pre-season begins. They are also believed to be considering a move for a player currently at a Championship club, to add more depth to the pack.
An announcement on the future of veteran winger Ryan Hall, who turns 39 next month, is understood to be imminent and it appears unlikely he will play on in 2027. Rhinos have signed Aussie Nick Cotric, who can feature at centre or wing, from Catalans Dragons and home grown outside-backs Max Simpson and Alfie Edgell are expected to train fully in pre-season after long-term injury. Leeds also have high hopes for teenager Oscar Brown whose contract was recently extended until the end of 2029.