Rhinos have paid six-figure transfer fees to Super League clubs on several occasions, to bolster their overseas recruits and academy-produced youngsters. Having previously revealed Rhinos’ finest foreign imports of the summer era, here’s the YEP’s list of their best 19 non-quota signings from English or French clubs.
7. Paul Sterling (14th)
Aged 33 when he joined Leeds from Hunslet Hawks at the end of 1996, Sterling scored 55 tries in 101 games during four seasons with Rhinos, including one against Adelaide Rams in the World Club Championship which is rated as arguably AMT Headingley’s best-ever. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
8. David Hulme (13th)
The veteran hooker played only nine games for Leeds after joining them from Widnes Vikings midway through the 1996 season, but without his influence they might have been relegated. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Anthony Farrell (12th)
Signined from Sheffield Eagles, the second-rower was brought in to toughen up Leeds’ forwards and, under Graham Murray’s coaching, they became the Super League’s most fearsome pack. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Ryan Sheridan (11th)
The scrum-half followed chief executive Gary Hetherington from Sheffield Eagles to Rhinos in the 1997 pre-season. He earned Great Britain honours during his time with Leeds and was a key figure in their 1999 Challenge Cup run. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
11. Shaun Lunt (10th)
The hooker was signed on loan from Huddersfield Giants during the 2012 season and was at the heart of that year’s Grand Final win. He moved from Hull KR a second stint with Rhinos in 2019. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
12. Richie Myler (ninth)
The scrum-half had big boots to fill when he inherited the number seven jersey from Rob Burrow in 2018, following a move from Catalans Dragons. He was player of the year in his first season at Leeds and played some of his best rugby after reinventing himself as a full-back in 2020. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com