Many of the most successful came through Rhinos’ own youth system, but Leeds have also made some hugely influential signings from rival clubs, both in Europe and Down Under.
Here’s the YEP’s purely subjective choice of Rhinos’ 21 best signings – from outside the club – of the summer era.
. David Hulme (21)
Signed from Widnes, the tough forward played only nine games in the second half of the 1996 season, but his experience and competitive nature was crucial to Leeds avoiding relegation. Photo: Steve Riding
. James Segeyaro (20)
Similar to Hulme, the Papua New Guinea hooker was an emergency signing as Rhinos battled to avoid the drop, in 2016. He scored six tries in 10 games and was instrumental in keeping Leeds up. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Richie Myler (19)
Joined Leeds from Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2018 season and endured some dark days, but was player of the year in his first season and Lance Todd Trophy winner three years ago. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
. Anthony Farrell (18)
New chief executive Gary Hetherington made Farrell, who he had worked with at Sheffield Eagles, one of his first signings for Leeds, in 1997. Particularly under coach Graham Murray, he was a key member of a fearsome pack. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
. Darren Fleary (17)
Leeds plucked unsung forward Fleary from cash-strapped Keighley Cougars and it proved an inspired move as he went on to win a Challenge Cup, play for Great Britain and frighten the living daylights out of opposing packs. Photo: Gary Longbottom
. Ryan Sheridan (16)
Another 1997 signing from Sheffield Eagles, scrum-half Sheridan helped transform Rhinos from also-rans to contenders and was outstanding throughout their 1999 Challenge Cup-winning campaign. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
. Daryl Powell (15)
Signed alongside Fleary from Keighley, Powell enjoyed an Indian Summer to his playing career, featuring in the 1999 Challenge Cup final win, before a spell as coach. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
. Rhyse Martin (14)
Brought in from Canterbury Bulldogs midway through Rhinos’ 2019 battle against relegation, the goal-kicking second-row/centre was a Challenge Cup winner the following year and is a key member of the current side. Photo: Tony Johnson
. Willie Poching (13)
Recruited from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2002, Poching was a key member of Rhinos’ title-winning side two years later and scored a try in the 2005 World Club Challenge triumph. Photo: Steve Riding
1. David Hulme (21)
Signed from Widnes, the tough forward played only nine games in the second half of the 1996 season, but his experience and competitive nature was crucial to Leeds avoiding relegation. Photo: Steve Riding
2. James Segeyaro (20)
Similar to Hulme, the Papua New Guinea hooker was an emergency signing as Rhinos battled to avoid the drop, in 2016. He scored six tries in 10 games and was instrumental in keeping Leeds up. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Richie Myler (19)
Joined Leeds from Catalans Dragons ahead of the 2018 season and endured some dark days, but was player of the year in his first season and Lance Todd Trophy winner three years ago. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
4. Anthony Farrell (18)
New chief executive Gary Hetherington made Farrell, who he had worked with at Sheffield Eagles, one of his first signings for Leeds, in 1997. Particularly under coach Graham Murray, he was a key member of a fearsome pack. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
5. Darren Fleary (17)
Leeds plucked unsung forward Fleary from cash-strapped Keighley Cougars and it proved an inspired move as he went on to win a Challenge Cup, play for Great Britain and frighten the living daylights out of opposing packs. Photo: Gary Longbottom
6. Ryan Sheridan (16)
Another 1997 signing from Sheffield Eagles, scrum-half Sheridan helped transform Rhinos from also-rans to contenders and was outstanding throughout their 1999 Challenge Cup-winning campaign. Photo: Mark Bickerdike