Leeds Rhinos clarify ‘disappointing’ James McDonnell exit as second NRL move looms

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos confirm forward James McDonnell will leave at the end of the 2026 season to take up an opportunity in the NRL.
• The club describes McDonnell’s decision as “disappointing” but accepts his wish to test himself in Australia.
• McDonnell is the second key Leeds player bound for the NRL after centre Harry Newman agreed a move to expansion club Perth Bears.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 10, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that back-rower James McDonnell will depart at the end of the 2026 Super League season to pursue a new contract in Australia’s NRL, with the club characterising the exit as “disappointing” but inevitable once the player opted to take up an overseas offer.

The Super League side, already braced for England centre Harry Newman’s switch to the NRL’s incoming Perth Bears franchise, now face the loss of a second first-team regular to Australia, underlining the growing pull of the competition for leading British talent.

Why are Leeds Rhinos calling James McDonnell’s NRL-bound exit ‘disappointing’?

All Out Rugby League reports that Leeds Rhinos announced James McDonnell will leave Headingley at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign to pursue a new opportunity in the NRL, with the club explaining that his decision to move on was “disappointing” given his role in the squad and their wish to retain him.

According to All Out Rugby League, Leeds framed the departure in measured terms, acknowledging they had wanted to keep McDonnell but ultimately respected his ambition to play in Australia’s elite competition and allowed him to see out his contract before moving.

How does James McDonnell’s move compare with Harry Newman’s NRL switch?

McDonnell’s exit follows confirmation that England international centre Harry Newman is also set to head to the NRL after his current deal, with All Out Rugby League reporting that Newman has agreed terms to join the expansion Perth Bears from the 2027 season once his Leeds contract expires at the end of 2026.

As reported by All Out Rugby League, Newman, 25, is expected to become one of Perth’s first marquee signings on a long-term agreement in Western Australia, making him the first Super League player lined up for the NRL’s new 18th club and a headline recruit for coach Mal Meninga.

What has been reported about Harry Newman’s NRL transfer and Leeds Rhinos’ response?

Reporting by All Out Rugby League states that Newman has held talks with Perth Bears head coach Mal Meninga and agreed a multi-year deal starting in 2027, while remaining contracted to Leeds until the end of the 2026 season and continuing to be available for Super League and England duties in the meantime.

How significant is Harry Newman’s departure for Leeds Rhinos and the NRL?

All Out Rugby League notes that Newman has made close to 130 appearances for Leeds since his debut in 2017, becoming a key figure in the backline and earning multiple England caps, including selection for the recent Ashes series, underscoring the scale of his departure for the Rhinos and the value of his acquisition for the NRL newcomers.

What are the wider implications of Leeds losing two stars to the NRL?

The confirmed exit of McDonnell and the planned transfer of Newman mean Leeds must prepare for the loss of two established starters at the end of 2026, forcing the club to plan recruitment and succession in both the pack and the three-quarters while also highlighting the increasing financial and competitive lure of the NRL for Super League players.

According to coverage in specialist rugby league outlets, Leeds now face the challenge of reshaping a squad that will be without a long-serving, home-grown international in Newman and a developing back-rower in McDonnell, as Australian clubs – including expansion teams such as Perth Bears – intensify their focus on recruiting from the English game.