Here's what Leeds Rhinos' seven new signings will bring to Super League in 2027
There will be no shortage of new faces on show when Leeds Rhinos begin pre-season next week.
Rhinos have had a bigger turnover than many of their Super League rivals, with seven confirmed signings and nine players moving on. Fans would certainly have liked some more big names to replace the departed stars, but what will the newcomers bring to Leeds’ squad?
Three of this year’s recruits are coming in as likely members of the top-17 and another couple will be there or thereabouts. Rhinos know what they are getting with Morgan Gannon, the second-rower who has returned to Leeds after a season at New Zealand Warriors in the southern hemisphere NRL.
He’s a talented, mobile forward who can break the line and has good handling skills. Fitness permitting, he will fit right in. Both outside-back Nick Cotric and loose-forward Dylan Walker have played for Australia, so their quality isn’t in question.
Though not a prolific try scorer (10 in 50 games for Catalans Dragons) Cotric has more than 150 NRL appearances under his belt and can play centre and wing, so brings experience and versatility to the squad. When Walker was signed, coach Brad Arthur admitted he wasn’t sure what role he will play next season, but number 13 looks most likely.
The 32-year-old was a regular, mainly as a substitute, for Parramatta Eels this year and is vastly experienced, having played 268 times in the NRL. He was hailed by Arthur as “ultra-reliable, tough, gritty [with] a fair level of skill”.
Kiwi Wiremu Greig, with 27 NRL appearances on his CV, probably hasn’t achieved his potential yet, but played under Arthur at Parramatta and the coach obviously reckons he can make an impact in Super League. He’s big and strong and a one-year contract means he will be keen to make a big early impression.
He will have to work for his place in the side, as will Aussie Edenn Rogers-Smith, who adds some depth to the pack following his move from Catalans Dragons. He spent less than half a season there, in his only experience of top-flight rugby after spells in Australia’s New South Wales Cup and for Carcassonne in the French domestic competition.
Rogers-Smith may be relatively inexperienced, but he’s big - 6ft 2ins tall (1.92 metres) - and mobile and did well in a poor Catalans side. Rhinos’ other signings are based more on potential than what they have already achieved in rugby league.
Front-rower Hugo Salabio is another big man, at 6ft 4ins and has played internationally for France as well as in Super League with Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and, most recently, Hull FC.
Including loan spells, Leeds will be his 11th club, which is a lot for a 26-year-old and it’s fair to say he hasn’t yet set Super League alight, but Rhinos’ management have obviously seen something in him and, on a one-year deal, he’s a low-risk signing.
It’s a similar story with fellow prop Delaine Gittens, from Halifax Panthers. He’s not going to be first-choice, but it’s a one-year contract so Rhinos have little to lose - and much to gain if they can bring the London-born Jamaican international up to Super League standard.
Leeds Rhinos confirmed signings for 2027
NICK COTRIC
Signed from: Catalans Dragons.
Age: 27.
Position: wing/centre.
Contract: four years.
MORGAN GANNON
Signed from: New Zealand Warriors.
Age: 22.
Position: second-row.
Contract: three years.
DELAINE GITTENS
Signed from: Halifax Panthers
Age: 25.
Position: prop.
Contract: one year.
WIREMU GREIG
Signed from: North Queensland Cowboys.
Age: 26
Position: prop.
Contract: one year.
EDENN ROGERS-SMITH
Signed from: Catalans Dragons.
Age: 27.
Position: second-row.
Contract: two years.
HUGO SALABIO
Signed from: Hull FC.
Age: 26.
Position: prop.
Contract: one year.
DYLAN WALKER
Signed from: Parramatta Eels
Age: 32
Position: loose-forward/utility.
Contract: three years.