Jarrod O’Connor Extends Leeds Rhinos Deal to 2028

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos’ hooker Jarrod O’Connor, aged 24, has signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2028 Betfred Super League season.
• O’Connor was awarded the number nine squad number for the 2026 season after starting 22 of his 27 appearances as the club’s first-choice hooker in the previous campaign.
• He made his Leeds Rhinos debut in 2020 and has accumulated 124 appearances over five seasons, scoring six tries and two goals, including a start in the 2022 Grand Final at Old Trafford.
• O’Connor expressed pride in playing for the Rhinos, excitement about the squad’s future, gratitude to Sporting Director Ian Blease and head coach Brad Arthur for their faith in him, and highlighted the positive competition within the team.
• Ian Blease, Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director, praised O’Connor as one of the club’s most consistent performers in both training and matches.
• Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to broadcast every Super League game live in 2026.

Leeds, England (The Leeds Times) January 28, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos hooker Jarrod O’Connor has secured a two-year contract extension, committing him to the club until at least the end of the 2028 Betfred Super League season, as confirmed by the club’s official channels.

This development bolsters the Rhinos’ squad depth ahead of the new campaign, with the 24-year-old continuing as a key figure at Headingley Stadium.

Who is Jarrod O’Connor?

Jarrod O’Connor, a 24-year-old hooker, has established himself as a cornerstone of the Leeds Rhinos lineup. Awarded the coveted number nine squad number for the 2026 season, he stepped up as the first-choice hooker last year, starting 22 of his 27 appearances.

His journey with the Rhinos began with a debut in 2020. Over five seasons, O’Connor has notched 124 appearances, contributing six tries and two goals to the team’s efforts. A standout moment came in the 2022 Grand Final at Old Trafford, where he featured prominently in the lineup.

This extension underscores his rapid rise from debutant to indispensable player, reflecting the club’s long-term investment in homegrown talent.

What Does the Contract Extension Entail?

The new deal spans two years, extending O’Connor’s stay at Headingley through to the conclusion of the 2028 Betfred Super League season. As reported in the official Leeds Rhinos announcement, this agreement was finalised ahead of the 2026 season kick-off, providing stability for both player and club.

O’Connor’s role as the primary hooker positions him centrally in the team’s attacking and defensive strategies. His consistency has been pivotal, especially in a position demanding high endurance and tactical acumen.

This move aligns with broader squad planning, ensuring continuity in the engine room of the Rhinos’ pack.

Why Did Jarrod O’Connor Commit Long-Term?

Commenting on the new deal, as quoted directly from the Leeds Rhinos official statement, O’Connor said:

“I am incredibly proud to play for the Rhinos and I am excited about the future for this group of players.”

He further elaborated:

“It is great to get the deal agreed before the season gets started and I am grateful to Ian Blease and Brad Arthur for the faith they have shown in me.”

O’Connor highlighted the internal dynamics, adding:

“We have got tremendous competition within our squad this season and that will only bring out the best in everyone, in training and games.”

These remarks, attributed to O’Connor via the club’s press release, reveal a player deeply invested in the Rhinos’ ambitions, buoyed by leadership support and squad rivalry.

What Did Club Officials Say?

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease expressed strong endorsement of the extension. As reported in the official announcement, Blease added:

“We are delighted to have agreed a long term contract with Jarrod. He is one of our most consistent performers in training and games.”

Blease’s statement emphasises O’Connor’s reliability, a trait valued in the high-stakes environment of Super League rugby.

Head coach Brad Arthur, though not directly quoted in the primary release, was thanked by O’Connor for his backing, indicating Arthur’s influence in retention decisions.

How Has O’Connor Performed Historically?

O’Connor’s statistical footprint at Leeds is impressive for a young hooker. Since his 2020 debut, his 124 appearances demonstrate durability. The six tries and two goals add a scoring dimension to his primarily playmaking role.

Last season’s 27 outings, with 22 starts, cemented his status as the go-to number nine. His participation in the 2022 Grand Final showcased his big-game temperament.

These achievements, drawn from the club’s records as cited in the announcement, position him as a mature talent at just 24.

What is the Context of Super League 2026?

The extension comes as excitement builds for the 2026 Betfred Super League season. Sky Sports remains the exclusive broadcaster, with the platform noted as

“the only place to watch every Super League game live in 2026,”

per promotional details accompanying the news.

Leeds Rhinos, perennial contenders, aim to leverage retentions like O’Connor’s to challenge for silverware. Headingley Stadium will host key fixtures, with O’Connor central to home performances.

Competition for hooker minutes will sharpen preparations, as O’Connor himself noted.

What Impact Will This Have on Squad Competition?

O’Connor’s comments point to intensified rivalry within the Rhinos’ ranks. “Tremendous competition within our squad this season,” he stated, suggesting depth that fosters improvement.

This environment, under Brad Arthur’s guidance, could elevate training standards and on-pitch execution. For O’Connor, maintaining his starting berth demands peak form.

Blease’s praise for consistency implies O’Connor sets the benchmark, pressuring teammates to match his levels.

Why is Retaining O’Connor Crucial for Leeds Rhinos?

Hookers are the heartbeat of rugby league teams, orchestrating plays from dummy-half. O’Connor’s reliability addresses a position prone to injury and rotation.

At 24, he offers prime years of service through 2028, aligning with the club’s competitive window. His local ties and experience mitigate recruitment risks.

Blease’s delight signals strategic foresight, securing a performer who thrives in pressure cooker matches like Grand Finals.

How Does This Fit into Rhinos’ Broader Strategy?

Ian Blease’s role as Sporting Director involves balancing retention and recruitment. Securing O’Connor pre-season exemplifies proactive planning.

Gratitude to both Blease and Arthur from O’Connor hints at harmonious leadership driving decisions. This stability aids squad harmony amid Super League’s demands.

The 2028 horizon allows long-term plotting, potentially including youth integration around O’Connor’s fulcrum.

What Are O’Connor’s Career Highlights to Date?

• Debut: 2020 for Leeds Rhinos.
• Appearances: 124 in five seasons.
• Tries: Six; Goals: Two.
• Key Match: Started in 2022 Grand Final at Old Trafford.
• 2025 Season: 27 appearances, 22 starts as first-choice hooker.
• 2026: Assigned number nine jersey.

These milestones, per official stats, trace his evolution into a mainstay.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

• Jarrod O’Connor: 24-year-old hooker, extending to 2028.
• Ian Blease: Sporting Director, key in negotiations.
• Brad Arthur: Head coach, backed O’Connor’s deal.

Their interplay underscores the personal stakes in the extension.

What Lies Ahead for Leeds Rhinos in 2026?

With O’Connor locked in, focus shifts to pre-season build-up. Sky Sports’ coverage ensures national visibility for Rhinos games.

Squad competition, as O’Connor welcomes, promises a robust challenge phase. Headingley faithful anticipate a tilt at honours.

This news, originating from Leeds Rhinos’ channels and echoed across rugby outlets, reinforces the club’s commitment to core talents.

Broader Implications for Betfred Super League?

Retentions like O’Connor’s stabilise the league’s fabric, reducing free-agency flux. At 24, he embodies the youth infusion Super League craves.

Clubs like Rhinos, with Headingley’s draw, leverage such deals for fan retention. The 2026 broadcast exclusivity via Sky Sports amplifies exposure.

O’Connor’s path—from 2020 debutant to 2028 commit—mirrors successful nurturing models league-wide.