Leeds Rhinos news as club aim for 'at least one' signing before season ends

Rhinos have confirmed a single addition so far for 2025, with Betfred Super League’s all-time leading try scorer Ryan Hall returning to the club from Hull KR. But sporting director Ian Blease and coach Brad Arthur are doing “due diligence” on some prospective recruits and could have one or more deals completed within the next two weeks.

Arthur has made it clear he wants to strengthen Rhinos in the front-row and they are also looking to increase competition for places in the backs. Leeds will have two overseas places available following the departures of second-row Rhyse Martin and winger David Fusitu’a, but are restricted by lack of space on the salary cap.

“We are still working through it,” Blease told the Yorkshire Evening Post today [Tuesday]. “I have just had a conversation with Brad, we have got some options to look at, but there’s not a lot of cap space and we have to make sure we get it right.

“We need a forward and some competition in the backs, but there’s nothing concrete yet. We are working through the options and that will take a while longer. It’ll probably be a couple of weeks; we are working hard to achieve at least one new signing before the end of the season.”

While the salary cap situation limits Rhinos’ ability to make additions, they hope to have two players who haven’t featured this year and one with just six appearances in 2024 back in contention for next season. A knee injury has kept centre Max Simpson out of action since pre-season in 2023, but he is targeting a comeback in the new year after more surgery.

Second-row Morgan Gannon was stood down for the whole campaign following two concussions this pre-season, but has impressed Arthur in training. Also expected back in the mix next year is prop Tom Holroyd, who has been limited to just six games this term because of two separate concussions.

Rhinos have yet to comment on winger Fusitu’a, three-quarter Luis Roberts and hooker Corey Johnson, but they are expected to leave when their contract ends this autumn, with an announcement from the club likely in the next few days. Martin has signed for Hull KR and forward James Donaldson has opted to play part-time rugby with Bradford Bulls from 2025.

Martin, Fusitu’a and Donaldson are all set to make their final home appearance for Leeds in Friday’s clash with Hull FC. Neither Roberts nor Johnson has played a first team game since Arthur joined the club in July.

One contracted player potentially on his way out is front-rower Kieran Hudson, who joined Leeds from Castleford Tigers in pre-season. He has yet to make a first team appearance, but has featured in the reserves and on dual-registration for Halifax Panthers.

The 24-year-old is the only available player with a 2024 number not to have featured in an initial 21-man squad. With chances likely to be limited again next term, the YEP understands he is keen to look for an opportunity elsewhere Rhinos won’t stand in his way if he can find a new club.