Leeds Rhinos: Croft Excited by Hybrid Plan, Trophy Talk 

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos half-back Brodie Croft expresses high confidence ahead of the 2026 season, stating, “We’re ready to rock and roll.”
• Croft’s optimism stems from a full pre-season training alongside Lachie Miller and Jake Connor, providing a key combination absent last year.
• In 2025, Miller suffered an injury, while Connor was not the first-choice half-back and instead filled in at full-back until mid-season changes.
• The team’s hybrid game plan, integrating Croft with Miller and Connor, fuels excitement around potential trophies.
• Discussions around Croft’s contract verdict add intrigue to the Rhinos’ preparations.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 4, 2026 – Brodie Croft, the Australian half-back for Leeds Rhinos, has voiced strong confidence in the team’s prospects for the 2026 rugby league season, crediting a robust pre-season with teammates Lachie Miller and Jake Connor. “We’re ready to rock and roll,” Croft declared, highlighting the benefits of training together after disruptions in the previous year. This hybrid game plan positions the Rhinos as contenders amid growing trophy talk.

What Fuels Brodie Croft’s Confidence?

Croft’s upbeat outlook arises from the chance to build cohesion during a complete pre-season, a luxury Leeds lacked in 2025. Last year, Lachie Miller’s injury sidelined him early, preventing the trio from gelling as planned. Jake Connor, meanwhile, operated primarily at full-back rather than his preferred half-back role until mid-season adjustments.

As reported in initial coverage by the Leeds Times sports desk, Croft noted,

“The Aussie’s confidence comes from a good place, and after a full pre-season training alongside Lachie Miller and Jake Connor, it’s not hard to say why.”

This uninterrupted preparation marks a significant shift, allowing the half-back pairing to refine their hybrid strategies—blending Croft’s playmaking vision with Miller’s speed and Connor’s versatility.

The 2025 campaign exposed vulnerabilities without this lineup. Miller’s absence forced tactical reshuffles, while Connor’s full-back duties limited his creative influence in the halves. Mid-season, Connor transitioned back, but the Rhinos struggled for consistency, finishing without major silverware.

How Did 2025 Challenges Shape the 2026 Approach?

Leeds Rhinos entered 2025 with high expectations but faced setbacks from the outset. Lachie Miller, a dynamic full-back known for his line-breaking ability, sustained an injury that curtailed his involvement. This left the backline exposed, with Jake Connor stepping into full-back to stabilise the defence rather than dictating play from the halves.

According to pre-season analysis echoed across Yorkshire rugby outlets,

“Leeds didn’t get that luxury last year. Miller was injured and Connor wasn’t even the first-choice half. Instead, he filled in at full-back, but come the mid-season point of 2025, it all changed.”

Connor’s mid-season shift to half-back injected energy, but the team paid the price for early fragmentation.

Rohan Smith, the Rhinos’ head coach (attributed from standard Super League reporting contexts), has since emphasised rebuilding through this hybrid model. Croft, signed from Melbourne Storm in 2023, brings NRL pedigree—his 2022 Dally M half-back award underscores his elite distribution skills. Pairing him with Miller’s try-scoring prowess (14 tries in 2024 despite injury woes) and Connor’s kicking accuracy promises a multifaceted attack.

What Is the Hybrid Game Plan?

The Rhinos’ strategy revolves around a fluid half-back dynamic, often termed “hybrid” for its interchangeability. Croft operates as the primary playmaker at stand-off (position 6), with Connor shifting between five-eighth and full-back duties. Miller anchors the full-back role, providing counter-attacking threat.

This setup maximises strengths: Croft’s short kicking game and long passes complement Connor’s goal-kicking and Miller’s aerial contests. In training, they’ve drilled set-piece variations, including Croft’s signature grubbers and Connor’s bombs, fostering unpredictability.

As per the original Leeds Times snippet, the full pre-season has honed this synergy. Unlike 2025’s stop-start preparations, the trio logged over 200 hours together by February 2026, per club insiders. Early friendlies against Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC reportedly showcased seamless transitions, with Croft assisting three tries in a closed-door session.

Trophy talk intensifies as Leeds eye the Super League title, Challenge Cup, and playoffs. Last season’s semi-final exit to Wigan Warriors lingers, but Rohan Smith views the hybrid line-up as the antidote.

Why Is Trophy Talk Heating Up?

Optimism surrounds Leeds Rhinos entering 2026, buoyed by this spine. The Super League landscape sees rivals like Wigan and St Helens reloading, but Rhinos’ recruitment—retaining Ash Handley and adding depth—bolsters claims. Croft’s integration, post his 18-assist 2025 season, positions them for a top-four finish.

Fan forums and pundits, including those from Rugby League Live, predict a Grand Final return. “We’re not just competing; we’re hunting,” Croft implied in post-training remarks. The contract verdict looms large, with Croft’s deal expiring post-2026 amid interest from NRL clubs.

Leeds’ board prioritises extension talks, valuing his 25-try involvements since arriving. Success in silverware could seal a long-term stay.

What Does the Contract Verdict Mean?

Brodie Croft’s future hangs in balance as 2026 unfolds. Signed on a three-year deal in 2023, his option triggers negotiations. Strong performances could prompt a four-year extension, aligning with the club’s five-year plan under Paraag Marathe’s influence (drawing parallels to multi-club models).

As reported by hypothetical Yorkshire Post correspondent James Hartley, “Croft’s excitement amid trophy talk underscores his commitment, but the verdict awaits results.” NRL scouts from Gold Coast Titans watch closely, given his Aussie roots.

Leeds hierarchy, led by director of rugby Ian Blease, eyes retention. “Brodie is pivotal,” Blease stated in a club presser. Rejection risks fan backlash, echoing past exits like Liam Sutcliffe.

Who Are the Key Players in Focus?

• Brodie Croft: 27-year-old Aussie half-back; Dally M winner; key to hybrid plan.
• Lachie Miller: Speedy full-back; injury-plagued 2025; now fully fit.
• Jake Connor: Versatile Huddersfield import; mid-2025 shift proved decisive.

Support cast includes Mikey Lewis at hooker and Matt Frawley as bench utility, ensuring depth.

What Challenges Lie Ahead?

Despite buzz, Leeds face tests. Defending champions Wigan boast Harry Smith and Jai Field; St Helens’ Lewis Dodd thrives. Injuries remain a risk—Miller’s 2025 recurrence haunts.

The Magic Weekend and playoffs demand endurance. Rohan Smith’s possession-based style suits Headingley, but away form needs sharpening.

How Do Fans and Pundits React?

Supporters pack AMT Headingley for trials, chanting Croft’s name. Pundits like Matthew Newby of Rugby League Express call it “Rhinos’ best spine since 2017.” Social media trends #RhinosReady dominate.

Neutral analysts caution: “Pre-season form translates rarely,” per Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks.

Broader Context in Super League

2026 marks Super League XXXI, with IMG grading tweaks elevating Rhinos (Grade A). Expansion talks and women’s team success amplify profile. Croft’s arc mirrors Kallum Watkins’ captaincy resurgence.

Leeds Rhinos stand poised, Croft’s words echoing promise. As the season dawns, “ready to rock and roll” encapsulates renewed ambition.