Leeds Rhinos signing news close says Kevin Sinfield

Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield.

Rhinos have so far brought in only two new faces for 2020, scrum-half Luke Gale and second-row forward Alex Mellor, but 13 players who had a squad number this year are no longer at the club.

Leeds are understood to be keen on forward Matt Prior - who plays for Australian side Cronulla Sharks - and Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming.

Sinfield refused to comment on possible targets or how many players could yet be added to the squad, but said Rhinos are “close” to at least one more signing.

“We aren’t far away - but things can fall over as well,” Sinfield said.

“We have had a few fall over already, but we are working on it [recruitment].

“We are spending a lot of time on it and hopefully we’ll have some good news soon.”

Sinfield added: “There are several positions we are looking to strengthen and within each of those positions there’s a number of options.

“We will work through that list. We’ve been doing it for some time, we highlighted a number of players months ago, but it is never simple.”

Prior has been given a glowing endorsement by Castleford Tigers’ new signing Sosaia Feki, who played alongside him at Cronulla.

Feki said: “He is one of the hardest workers I have ever played around.

“He is always in the gym last, packing up all the weights, he always does his one percenters, he is a great teammate and I am glad I played with him.

“If they get him, that’s a good buy.”

Meanwhile, Rhinos’ next generation will be in action against New South Wales Country teams at Emerald Headingley tomorrow.

Rhinos under-16s meet the touring Australians at noon, with an under-18s encounter kicking off at 2pm.

Sinfield said: “It’s a great opportunity for our young players to test themselves against some of the best players from Down Under.

“I hope people come out and have a look, they are the future of the club. It should be a good day for everyone - and I hope it’s freezing!”

Admission, through Gate E on St Michaels Lane, from 11.30am, costs £3 for adults, £1 concessions.