Leeds Rhinos’ McDonnell on Perth Bears NRL Move, Super League Exit Vow 

Key Points

• James McDonnell, a second-rower and Dream Team forward for Leeds Rhinos, has revealed the background to his exit from the club.
• He is in the final year of his Rhinos contract and will join the new NRL club Perth Bears in Australia next season.
• McDonnell describes the opportunity in Australia as too good to turn down but insists there is unfinished business with Leeds first.
• The 26-year-old is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and on the casualty list.
• He is one of three Rhinos players signing elsewhere for 2027, alongside fellow Perth Bears recruit Harry Newman and Wakefield Trinity-bound Cameron Smith.
• McDonnell notes that his teammates understood his decision, calling it the right time to leave if he were to go, and highlighted the attraction of linking up with Harry Newman in Perth.
• McDonnell and Rhinos took a leap of faith when he signed from hometown club Wigan ahead of the 2023 season, after spending much of the previous year on loan at Leigh in the Betfred Championship.
• At that stage, playing in the NRL was the furthest thing from his mind; it is not something he always wanted to do, unlike typical rugby aspirations from his youth.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 3, 2026 – James McDonnell, the Leeds Rhinos second-rower, has opened up about his impending departure to the NRL’s Perth Bears, pledging to end his Super League tenure on a high note despite an attractive opportunity Down Under.

The 26-year-old forward, currently nursing an ankle injury, emphasised that while the move to Australia represents unfinished business at Headingley first. As reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post, McDonnell stated that the chance was too good to refuse, yet his focus remains on delivering for the Rhinos in his contract’s final year.​

Why Did James McDonnell Decide to Leave Leeds Rhinos?

McDonnell’s exit from Leeds Rhinos marks the end of a bold chapter that began with high expectations. He joined the club from his hometown Wigan ahead of the 2023 season, following a period mostly spent on loan at Leigh in the Betfred Championship. This move was a leap of faith for both player and club, as detailed in coverage by the Yorkshire Evening Post sports desk.

At the time of signing, the NRL was not even a distant dream for McDonnell.

“It’s not really something I’ve always wanted to do,”

he reflected.

“Being a rugby fan when I was younger, it wasn’t really something I looked towards.”

This admission underscores a career path shaped more by opportunity than long-held ambition, positioning his Perth switch as a calculated evolution rather than a lifelong pursuit.​

The timing aligns with the final year of his Rhinos deal, as confirmed in squad contract breakdowns published by the Yorkshire Evening Post. McDonnell’s comments reveal a pragmatic outlook, balancing personal growth with club loyalty.​

What Is the Background to McDonnell’s Perth Bears Move?

The Perth Bears, an NRL expansion club in the southern hemisphere, have secured McDonnell for next season, a move first confirmed in exclusive reporting by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“James McDonnell’s 100 per cent vow in first words as move to NRL Perth Bears confirmed,”

headlined the article, capturing his enthusiasm.

McDonnell described the opportunity in Australia as irresistible. The linkage with fellow Rhinos teammate Harry Newman, also heading to Perth, added significant appeal.

“That was a nice attraction to go to Perth, to have that link with Harry going there,”

McDonnell said.

“I played alongside him every single game last year, so it was definitely a bonus.”

This reunion promises continuity for the pair in a new league.​

Perth Bears’ recruitment strategy appears bolstered by such high-profile signings, with McDonnell’s addition signaling ambition for the fledgling outfit. Coverage notes the club’s position in the NRL landscape, drawing parallels to successful expansions.​

How Did McDonnell’s Teammates React to His Departure?

Support from within the Leeds Rhinos squad has been a key factor in McDonnell’s smooth transition.

“They all understood my decision and understood it was probably the right time for me to go if I was going to go,”

he shared.

“Given this opportunity, they all understand it’d be a tough one to turn down.”

This camaraderie extends to the broader context of departures, with McDonnell joining Harry Newman and Cameron Smith in confirming moves elsewhere for 2027. Newman’s silverware vow post-departure, as reported separately by the Yorkshire Evening Post, mirrors McDonnell’s determination. Meanwhile, Cameron Smith’s shift to Wakefield Trinity was officially detailed, explaining the rationale behind the transfer.​

Such reactions highlight a mature dressing room environment at Leeds, where personal ambitions are respected amid collective goals. McDonnell’s pledge to “go out with a bang” in Super League further cements his commitment until the season’s end.​

Who Are the Other Leeds Rhinos Players Leaving for 2027?

Harry Newman, another Dream Team forward, is following McDonnell to Perth Bears. “Leeds Rhinos news: Harry Newman makes silverware vow after departure confirmed,” noted the Yorkshire Evening Post, where Newman echoed ambitions for trophies in his final Rhinos stint. Having played every game alongside McDonnell last year, their partnership strengthens the Bears’ lineup.​

Cameron Smith’s Wakefield Trinity Switch

Cameron Smith heads to Wakefield Trinity, with the move officially confirmed and reasons outlined in Yorkshire Evening Post reporting.

“Here’s why Leeds Rhinos ace Cameron Smith is joining Wakefield Trinity,”

the piece explained, positioning it as a strategic career step.​

These exits represent a reshaping of the Rhinos squad, with McDonnell’s comments providing insight into the group’s dynamics.

What Does McDonnell’s Injury Mean for His Rhinos Farewell?

Currently on the casualty list with an ankle injury, McDonnell faces a race to regain full fitness. This setback adds poignancy to his vow to depart memorably. Despite the timeline, his statements convey unwavering resolve to contribute where possible in 2026.

Leeds Rhinos’ medical team will play a crucial role, as the club navigates his recovery alongside broader squad planning. Coverage emphasises that unfinished business at Leeds drives him, irrespective of physical challenges.​

How Does This Fit into Leeds Rhinos’ Contract Landscape?

McDonnell’s situation is contextualised within the full-time squad’s contract statuses, as mapped out by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“Leeds Rhinos contracts: Here’s how long every member of full-time squad has on current deal,”

detailed the expirations and renewals, spotlighting his final year.​

This transparency aids fans in understanding the club’s trajectory, with McDonnell’s high-profile exit underscoring the appeal of NRL opportunities for Super League talents. Australia features prominently in related coverage, highlighting pathways for British players.​

What Are McDonnell’s Plans to ‘Go Out with a Bang’?

McDonnell has pledged a memorable exit from Super League, prioritising impact in his remaining Rhinos tenure.

“Dream Team forward James McDonnell has revealed the background to his Leeds Rhinos exit and pledged to go out with a bang,”

summarises the core narrative from Yorkshire Evening Post sources.

His focus on unfinished business suggests targeting silverware or standout performances, aligning with Newman’s similar vows. This determination resonates with fans valuing loyalty amid transitions.​

Broader Implications for Super League and NRL?

McDonnell’s move exemplifies the growing NRL pull on Super League stars, with Perth Bears aggressively building via British recruits. The trio’s departures—McDonnell, Newman, and Smith—signal a talent exchange benefiting both competitions.

For Leeds Rhinos, retaining focus amid changes will be pivotal. McDonnell’s story, rooted in Wigan origins and Leeds highs, encapsulates a modern rugby league journey.​

In reflecting on his path, McDonnell’s candour offers a human element to the transfer machinery. As a journalist with over a decade in news reporting, such personal insights enrich the discourse on player mobility in British rugby.