Only five of the current squad were aged over 30 at the start of this season and three of those are in the final year of their contract.
Under-25s including Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki, Cameron Smith, Tom Holroyd and Morgan Gannon are established first-teamers and Rhinos have a wealth of talent waiting in the wings. Here’s how their team could look in five years’ time.
13. Loose-forward: Cameron Smith
If still at the club, Smith will be in his 13th season in 2028 and could well be team captain. And he won’t turn 30 until that November. Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com
14. Sub: Toby Warren
Signed from York in the off-season, after spells on loan in Leeds’ lower grades, coach Rohan Smith reckons the 19-year-old second-rower "has got something special". Photo: Leeds Rhinos
15. Sub: Ben Littlewood
The big forward is only 17 and not yet full-time, but was recently called into the Yorkshire academy squad and has impressed for Rhinos’ under-18s. Photo: Craig Hawkhead/Leeds Rhinos
16. Sub: Riley Lumb
As a full-back, Lumb, 18, is in a crowded field, but he joined the full-time squad in pre-season and is highly rated. Photo: Craig Hawkhead/Leeds Rhinos
17. Sub: Corey Johnson
The 22-year-old former England academy hooker is behind Jarrod O'Connor in the pecking order, but is talented and versatile and just waiting to make a significant breakthrough. Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com
18. Others
Sam Walters, 22, is interesting other clubs, but will be mainstay of the team in five years’ time if he stays, potentially alongside three-quarter Luis Roberts, 21, winger Liam Tindall, 22 and second-row James McDonnell, 23. Watch out for winger Neil Tchamambe, pictured and prop Freddie Brennan-Jones, both 18 and 17-year-old hooker Mason Corbett. Photo: Matty Merrick Photography/Varley Picture Agency/Leeds Rhinos