Leeds Rhinos news: reserves Grand Final winner joins Championship club
A member of Leeds Rhinos’ Grand Final-winning reserves side has joined Newcastle Thunder.
Noah Whittingham was a substitute for Rhinos’ second-string in their title-clinching 8-0 defeat of Warrington Wolves at AMT Headingley last September. His last game for Leeds was the academy Grand Final defeat away to Warrington the following week, when he started in the second-row.
Whittingham, who played junior rugby for Oulton Raiders, was part of Rhinos’ under-15s scholarship intake in November, 2021 and stepped up into the academy ahead of the 2024 season. A statement on Betfred Championship outfit Newcastle’s website said: “Whittingham brings strong ball-carrying ability and defensive tenacity to the Thunder pack, reflecting the club’s ambition to compete at the highest levels and build momentum in the north east.
“His arrival underscores Thunder’s ongoing commitment to blending youth and experience as head-coach Graham Steadman continues shaping a competitive group for the coming campaign. The young forward’s signing is part of a broader recruitment drive in the north east, where Thunder are assembling a balanced squad capable of both exciting rugby and consistent performances.”
Whittingham will link up with ex-Rhinos prop King Vuniyayawa following his move from Featherstone Rovers last week. Newcastle have also signed ex-East Leeds winger Andy Djeukessi who made his Betfred Super League debut for Castleford Tigers in 2025.
Thunder finished bottom of League One last year, losing all 18 games. They are rebuilding their squad as part of a partnership with NRL giants Penrith Panthers and Super League newcomers York Knights which could see Whittingham secure a return to the top-flight if he impresses in the new-look second tier in 2026.