The Rhinos have signed former Parramatta Eels man Brad Arthur, as the club strive to climb the Super League table.
Recruitment and retention decisions must be made in the coming months, though, with a number of key men off contract at the end of the season. Here’s a look at the five players who could leave Headingley this winter as things stand.
James Donaldson
The one-year deal Donaldson signed last year comes to an end in a few months and the testimonial man is yet to secure his future. The 32-year-old has been a reliable member of the Rhinos’ first-team since joining from Hull KR ahead of the 2019 season, but his game time has been severely restricted this time around.
A neck injury has ensured he has played just three games, with his last outing coming in March. He’s due back soon and he’ll be determined to prove his worth to the club and the incoming head coach.
David Fusitu’a
Injury issues have blighted Fusitu’a’s time in West Yorkshire and the club have a difficult decision to make about the former New Zealand and Tonga international. He has made 34 appearances since the start of the 2022 season, with 16 tries coming along the way, but he has managed to make just four league outings this time around which will come as a frustration. With the 29-year-old taking up a spot on the overseas quota, Leeds will be assessing whether it is possible to put that place to better use.
Rhyse Martin
Rhyse Martin has accepted an offer from Leeds to continue at Headingley, although he hasn’t yet pledged his allegiance to the team. Given the importance of the Papua New Guinea international to the team, the Rhinos will be concerned about rumors that he is drawing interest from teams like Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards.
The 31-year-old has been with Leeds since 2019, and Rhinos fans love him for his skill with the ball in his hands and his ability to kick from the tee. Then, his loss would be deeply felt.
Luis Roberts
The Wales international is another Leeds man attracting interest from other Super League clubs ahead of next season, which again may come as a concern to Leeds. Roberts, who has been a Rhino since leaving Leigh Centurions at the end of the 2022 campaign, has made 13 appearances and scored four tries with his last coming against St Helens in May.
Corey Johnson
Johnson joined Bradford Bulls on loan earlier in the season, speaking to his standing within the Rhinos squad in the last year of his current deal. The 23-year-old has made four appearances since being recalled from Odsal, whether he has done enough to earn a new deal, though, remains to be seen.
Leave a Reply