Leeds Rhinos report card - every 2019/2020 debutant rated

One would probably do for supporters who are getting anxious at the lack of signings for 2021.

Rhinos are on the hunt for at least one big forward, but have insisted they are prepared to bide their time for the right man to become available.

Over the past two years, a host of players have come and gone, with varying degrees of success.

So how does Rhinos’ recent recruitment shape up?

Here’s a look at the 14 new first team signings who have made their Leeds debut from the start of 2019.

Wellington Albert: The Papua New Guinea Test prop scored one try in five games for Leeds after joining them from Widnes Vikings early in 2019, but joined Featherstone Rovers on a season-long loan this year and has signed for Keighley Cougars in 2021. Grade: D.

James Donaldson: Left without a club when Hull KR did not offer a new deal at the end of 2018, he came to Leeds as a trialist that Christmas, earned a contract and has been a quiet success story. Hard working and durable, he has given Rhinos excellent value as an impact forward. Grade: B+.

Rhys Evans: Recruited from Bradford Bulls late last pre-season, to bring cover to the outside-backs, he did a steady job when required, but played only five times - scoring one try - before returning to his former club at the end of the campaign. Grade: C.

Luke Gale: Appointed captain after round one this year, Gale has done exactly the job Rhinos signing him for. A natural organiser and leader, he has improved their kicking game and provided an added attacking threat with ball in hand, not top mention winning four games last season with drop goals, including the Coral Challenge Cup final. Grade: A.

Konrad Hurrell: A Dream Team centre in each of his two seasons with Leeds. A real character and a fans’ favourite, he has made an impact on and off the field, despite some fitness issues and has the potential to be even better. Grade: B.

Kruise Leeming: An injury two days before Christmas last year was a setback for the former Huddersfield Giants hooker, but he showed good signs after the Covid-19 shutdown and will be better with a full, injury-free, pre-season under his belt. Grade: B-.

Tui Lolohea: Never settled at Leeds during his 17-game spell in 2019. Signed as a stand-off, he looked more at home at full-back before a move to Salford where he has found his best form. Grade: C-

Rob Lui: Arrived from Salford part way through 2019 in a swap deal involving Tui Lolohea. Has shown in flashes what he is capable of, but probably hasn’t found his best form yet in a Leeds shirt. Grade: B-.

Rhyse Martin: The Papua New Guinea captain has proved an outstanding goal kicker and lively presence in the second-row. His try agianst Catalans Dragons was Rhinos’ 2019 try of the year. Grade: B.

Alex Mellor: Signed from Huddersfield Giants, Mellor had a strong debut season in 2020 and, with a year at Leeds under his belt, has the potential to really kick on. Grade: B

Trent Merrin: Despite some personal problems, the former Kangaroos forward had a strong season in 2019 and was a key figure in Rhinos’ successful battle against the drop. His decision not to return this year was disappointing, but understandable. Grade: B+.

Matt Prior: A superb recruit, the laid back Australian prop/loose-forward has brought his vast NRL experience to the side, adding a high work rate and no nonsense defence and he can offload as well. Grade: A.

Ava Seumanufagai: The big prop came in midway through last year and his go-forward made a big impact to a struggling team. The coronavirus lockdown affected his form in 2020, but Leeds are a much better team with him on song. Grade: B.

Bodene Thompson: Picked up, initially on loan, from Toronto Wolfpack to add some depth and experience, Thompson was excellent in the second half of 2020 - particularly during October’s fixture pile-up - and earned a two-year deal. Grade: B+.

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