Leeds Rhinos have announced their second signing of the day from Super League rivals Catalans Dragons.

Former Australia and New South Wales winger/centre Nick Cotric has penned a four-year contract beginning in 2027. His signing was revealed this afternoon (Thursday), just hours after the club confirmed a two-year deal for his countryman and current Dragons teammate Edenn Rogers-Smith. The double signing follows those of Morgan Gannon from New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels’ Dylan Walker.

Cotric, 27, was under contract at Catalans until the end of next season, but has been released in order to join Leeds with no transfer fee involved. He played twice for the Kangaroos in 2019 and made one State of Origin appearance the same year. Cotric had two spells with Canberra Raiders, separated by a season at Canterbury Bulldogs, scoring 63 tries during 149 appearances in the southern hemisphere NRL.

Switching to Catalans last year, he crossed twice in 21 games that season and four times in 22 so far this term. Cotric, who has also played at international level for Serbia, said: “I am really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos and looking forward to getting started.

Leeds Rhinos signings Nick Cotric, left and Edenn Rogers-Smith tackle Benjamin Laguerre during Catalans Dragons win against Toulouse Olympique last month. Picture by Fabrice Rodriguez/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos signings Nick Cotric, left and Edenn Rogers-Smith tackle Benjamin Laguerre during Catalans Dragons win against Toulouse Olympique last month. Picture by Fabrice Rodriguez/SWpix.com.

“Leeds is a massive club with a great history and a huge supporter base and I am really looking forward to experiencing that at AMT Headingley. I have enjoyed my time in Super League and feel I still have plenty to offer.

“The opportunity to work with Brad [Arthur] and the coaching staff and to be part of what Ian [Blease] and the club are building was a big factor in my decision. I am coming to Leeds determined to work hard, contribute to the team and hopefully help the club challenge for trophies.”

Rhinos boss Arthur said: “It is great to have both Nick and Edenn joining us for 2027. They are two different players who bring qualities we believe will make our squad better.

"Nick has a huge amount of experience for his age. He has played at the highest level in the NRL, represented his state and country and has now had two seasons of Super League experience. He is strong, athletic and understands what it takes to perform at the top level.”

Leeds Rhinos recruit Nick Cotric on the attack for Catalans Dragons against Hull two weeks ago. Picture by Rémi Vignaud/Catalans Dragons/SWpix.com.

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Blease, Rhinos’ sporting director, insisted: “Both players have different stories and different attributes, but we believe they are the right profiles for our squad. Nick's experience speaks for itself - to have played nearly 150 NRL games, represented New South Wales and Australia and then established himself in Super League shows the level he has operated at.

“He has also gained a good understanding of the competition and what is required to play here. There is still plenty of work to do between now and the start of next season, but these are two important additions to our squad and we believe both players can make a significant contribution to the Rhinos.”