Amid what has been an unbeaten play-off charge so far, Leeds Rhinos have bolstered their squad ahead of the final four games of the Women's Super League Super Four's.

Lois Forsell has welcomed back former star Bella Sykes to her side, after a stint in Australia with the Cronulla Sharks.

Sykes, who first joined the Rhinos in 2023 from Huddersfield Giants, played 33 games in her first spell, including in the 2023 Grand Final defeat to York Valkyrie and the 2024 Challenge Cup Final defeat to St Helens.

Her final appearance came in last year's semi-final loss to Wigan Warriors, and after completing pre-season at Kirstall, she was offered the opportunity to move down under and compete in the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership - the reserve grade to the NRLW.

During her time in New South Wales, she made seven appearances and played at loose forward, prop and hooker, highlighting her versatility. The Sharks side she represented finished seventh in the competition, missing out on the play-offs.

With World Cup selection coming in September, England head coach Stuart Barrow will be looking at those players in form to take to down under, and Sykes' best chance of being involved is by playing consistent rugby in the big games, something she can now do after returning to the UK.

As a result, the four-time England international is now back at Headingley, ready to play her part in what continues to be a thrilling play-off series. Leeds have beaten both York and St Helens so far, leaving them second in the table, six points above Saints and two behind Wigan - who they play in consecutive weeks following Sunday's trip to York.

Sykes, who is set to make an immediate return to the squad this week, is actually one of two players recruited by Forsell, with French international Stecy Bessière, who played in the 38-4 defeat to England last month, joining after a successful trial.

Bessière has played for France six times since 2023, and is a back-rower by trade.