Leeds Rhinos Linked with Royce Hunt NRL Transfer 2026 Leeds

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos have been linked with Wests Tigers prop forward Royce Hunt, according to Australian journalist Tony Adams
• Hunt, 30, is a Samoa international who played in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final in England
• The 30-year-old made his NRL debut for Canberra Raiders in 2017, joined Cronulla Sharks in 2020, and signed for Wests Tigers ahead of the 2025 season
• Adams reported that Rhinos are “chasing” Hunt, who has two years remaining on his current Wests Tigers contract until end of 2027
• Hunt has made just 13 appearances for Wests Tigers this season despite joining from Cronulla Sharks
• Wests Tigers are reportedly aiming to free up salary cap space, making Hunt potentially available to Super League clubs
• Hunt has won six international caps for Samoa, including the 2022 World Cup
• Both Hunt and teammate Jack Bird are understood to be on Super League radars as potential NRL departures

Leeds (The Leeds Times) May 30, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Wests Tigers prop forward Royce Hunt, with Australian journalist Tony Adams, known as ‘The Mole’, reporting that the Super League club are actively “chasing” the 30-year-old Samoa international. The development marks a significant potential acquisition for the Rhinos as they look to strengthen their forward pack with experienced NRL talent who competed on rugby league’s biggest international stage.

Who Is Royce Hunt and Why Is He Being Linked to Leeds Rhinos?

As reported by Tony Adams of Australian media, the Rhinos are pursuing Hunt who brings substantial NRL experience and World Cup pedigree to the Super League.

Hunt made his top-grade debut with Canberra Raiders back in 2017 before moving to Cronulla Sharks three years later in 2020, where he established himself as a powerful-running prop forward.

He signed for Wests Tigers on a three-year deal ahead of the 2025 season after being granted a release from the final year of his Cronulla contract.

The 30-year-old’s connection to Leeds stems from Wests Tigers’ reported desire to free up salary cap space, with Hunt understood to be available despite having two years remaining on his current deal. According to All Out Rugby League, Hunt is one of two Wests Tigers players on Super League radars, alongside utility veteran Jack Bird.

What Does Hunt’s International Career Tell Us About His Quality?

Royce Hunt is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who has won six international caps for his country. Most notably, he played in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final in England, representing Samoa on rugby league’s biggest global stage.

This World Cup final appearance demonstrates his experience performing under immense pressure against the world’s best nations.

As a prop forward, Hunt brings the physicality and experience that Super League clubs increasingly seek from NRL imports. His classification as a “powerhouse prop” by All Out Rugby League underscores his reputation as an enforcer in the forward pack.

When Did Hunt Join Wests Tigers and What Has Been His Impact?

Hunt’s move to Wests Tigers was confirmed in September 2024, with the club announcing they were “delighted” to secure the Sharks forward on a three-year deal. Sporting News reported that Hunt’s “long-rumoured move to Concord is complete,” with the prop finishing the 2024 season with Sharks before joining Wests Tigers at the end of that year.

However, his impact at Wests Tigers has been limited thus far. Despite signing a three-year contract, Hunt has made just 13 appearances for the club this season (2025), according to All Out Rugby League. This relatively low appearance count, combined with Wests Tigers’ salary cap pressures, has reportedly made him available for transfer.

Where Will Hunt Play If the Transfer Goes Through?

If the transfer materialises, Hunt would join Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, the club’s historic home ground in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

The Rhinos play in the Super League, the top tier of rugby league in Europe, which would represent a move from the Australian NRL to the British competition.

The potential transfer would see Hunt become one of several NRL players to make the switch to Super League, a trend that has seen multiple Australian imports join British clubs in recent years for better financial terms and lifestyle changes.

Why Is Wests Tigers Willing to Let Hunt Go?

According to All Out Rugby League, Wests Tigers are “aiming to free up salary cap space,” which has made both Hunt and Jack Bird potentially available to rival clubs.

Despite having two years remaining on Hunt’s current deal until the end of 2027, the club appears willing to negotiate his release.

The limited playing time Hunt has received (13 appearances this season) suggests he may not be central to Wests Tigers’ long-term plans, making a transfer to a club where he would be guaranteed regular game time an attractive option for all parties.

How Could This Transfer Affect Leeds Rhinos’ 2027 Season?

Should Hunt join Leeds Rhinos, he would bring immediate experience to the forward pack ahead of the 2027 season and beyond. At 30 years old, he would enter his prime years as a prop forward, offering physicality and leadership in the front row.

The Rhinos’ pursuit of Hunt demonstrates their ambition to strengthen their squad with proven NRL talent, particularly players with World Cup experience.

Adding a Samoa international who played in the 2022 World Cup final would provide depth and quality to their forward resources.

Background of the Development

The transfer link between Leeds Rhinos and Royce Hunt emerged from growing speculation about NRL players moving to Super League for the 2027 season. Australian journalist Tony Adams, widely recognised as ‘The Mole’ in rugby league media circles, broke the story that Rhinos are actively pursuing Hunt.

Royce Hunt’s career trajectory shows a player who has consistently played at the highest level since his NRL debut with Canberra Raiders in 2017.

His move from Cronulla Sharks to Wests Tigers in September 2024 was described as “long-rumoured,” indicating that transfer speculation around Hunt has been building for some time.

The 2022 Rugby League World Cup, held in England, was a significant tournament where Hunt represented Samoa in the final, cementing his status as an international-grade prop forward.

This World Cup appearance is particularly relevant given the tournament’s success in England and the increased visibility of NRL players in the British market.

Wests Tigers’ salary cap situation has been widely reported in Australian media, with the club reportedly looking to重组 their squad and create financial flexibility.

This financial pressure has made players like Hunt, who have appearance numbers lower than expected (13 games this season), available for transfer despite having contract years remaining.

Prediction: How This Development Could Affect Leeds Rhinos Fans and the Super League

If Royce Hunt joins Leeds Rhinos, fans can expect a physical, experienced prop forward who has competed at World Cup level. His 30 years of age means he would provide immediate seniority in the forward pack, which could be crucial for a club looking to compete at the top end of the Super League table.

For Rhinos supporters who follow Super League rugby closely, Hunt’s arrival would represent a significant statement of intent from the club’s recruitment team. Securing a player who has played in a World Cup final demonstrates ambition and the ability to attract quality NRL talent to Headingley.

However, fans should also consider that Hunt has made only 13 appearances this season for Wests Tigers, which raises questions about his current form and fitness levels.

The transition from NRL to Super League also presents challenges, including different playing styles, climate adjustment, and adapting to the British rugby league game.

How Could This Affect the Super League Competitive Landscape?

The potential signing of Hunt would add another NRL export to the Super League, continuing a trend of Australian players bringing their experience to British rugby league. With both Hunt and teammate Jack Bird understood to be on Super League radars, the competition for NRL talent appears intensifying.

For other Super League clubs, the Rhinos’ pursuit of Hunt signals that they are active in the transfer market and willing to invest in proven NRL forwards.

This could trigger a bidding war or encourage other clubs to pursue similar NRL targets, potentially raising transfer fees and wage demands across the league.

The arrival of a Samoa international with World Cup final experience would also elevate the overall quality and international representation within the Super League, potentially making the competition more attractive to global audiences and sponsors.

What Does This Mean for Royce Hunt’s Career Trajectory?

For Hunt personally, a move to Leeds Rhinos would represent a fresh start after a limited first season at Wests Tigers. At 30, with two years remaining on his Wests Tigers contract, the opportunity to play regular first-grade rugby in a competitive Super League environment could extend his career at the highest level.

The move would also allow Hunt to play in Europe, potentially opening doors for future opportunities in the British rugby league system and increasing his profile among European rugby league fans. However, he would need to adapt quickly to the Super League’s demands if he hopes to justify the Rhinos’ interest and secure a long-term future at Headingley.