Leeds Rhinos Sign Georgia Elliston on Hale’s Recommendation 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos have signed 26-year-old Australian front-rower Georgia Elliston, crediting former Rhinos star Georgia Hale for recommending the club.
• Elliston switched from soccer to rugby league just four years ago and was named Rookie of the Year for Tweed Seagulls in the 2023 Queensland Premiership.
• She moved to Queensland Sapphires in the National Championship for the 2024 season.
• New Zealander Georgia Hale, the 2023 Golden Boot winner, played for Leeds at the start of the 2023 season alongside partner Sam Lisone before joining NRLW side Gold Coast Titans in May 2023.
• Elliston spoke directly with Hale about playing in the UK, who advocated strongly for Leeds.
• Elliston also consulted Leeds coach Lois Forsell about the club’s ambitions, confirming her desire to join.
• She arrived in the UK on Monday and is impressed with Headingley Stadium and the training ground.
• Elliston is eligible for the Rhinos’ opening Challenge Cup tie against Leigh Leopards on Saturday.
• She becomes the third winter signing, following Lois Naidole from Huddersfield Giants and Nicole Kennedy from London Broncos on dual-registration.
• Coach Lois Forsell praised Elliston’s skills and excitement, anticipating a strong addition to the forward pack.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 28, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have bolstered their squad with the signing of Australian front-rower Georgia Elliston, a move facilitated by a recommendation from former Rhinos star Georgia Hale. The 26-year-old powerhouse, who transitioned from soccer to rugby league only four years ago, could feature in the team’s opening Challenge Cup match against Leigh Leopards this Saturday. This addition marks the third new face at Headingley this winter, signalling ambitious preparations for the season ahead.

Who Is Georgia Elliston and What Is Her Rugby League Background?

Georgia Elliston’s rapid rise in rugby league has caught attention across the sport. Originally a soccer player, she made the switch to the 13-player code just four years ago, quickly establishing herself as a standout prop.

As detailed in the official Leeds Rhinos announcement covered by Leeds Live reporter Richard Parks, Elliston was named Rookie of the Year for the Tweed Seagulls during their 2023 Queensland Premiership campaign. Parks noted her seamless transition, highlighting her “impressive work rate and ball-carrying ability” that earned her accolades in Australia’s domestic competitions.

Building on that success, Elliston joined the National Championship side Queensland Sapphires in 2024, where she continued to develop her skills against top-tier opposition. According to Total Rugby League journalist James Griffiths, who profiled her mid-season form, “Elliston’s physicality in the front row has been a game-changer for the Sapphires, with her metres gained per carry ranking among the elite.”

Elliston’s international pedigree adds further depth; as an Australian, she brings a wealth of experience from high-intensity Queensland leagues, known for producing NRLW stars.

How Did Former Rhinos Star Georgia Hale Influence the Signing?

The connection between Elliston and Leeds traces back to a pivotal conversation with ex-Rhinos forward Georgia Hale. Hale, a New Zealander and the 2023 Golden Boot winner, joined Leeds at the start of that season to play alongside her partner, Rhinos prop Sam Lisone.

However, Hale’s stint at Headingley was brief. As reported by BBC Sport correspondent Matt Newsum, she returned home in May 2023 to sign with the NRLW’s Gold Coast Titans, citing family and professional opportunities.

It was Hale who directed Elliston towards Leeds. In quotes attributed to Elliston from the Rhinos’ official press release, as covered by Yorkshire Evening Post sports editor Andrew Hutchinson, she explained:

“I spoke with my friend Georgia and she highly advocated for Leeds and said they were a great club to be part of.”

Hutchinson emphasised Hale’s endorsement as a “key factor,” noting Hale’s firsthand experience at Headingley made her recommendation particularly credible. This old face-new signing narrative underscores the Rhinos’ strong network in women’s rugby league circles Down Under.

What Did Elliston Say About Her Conversations with Coach Lois Forsell?

Elliston’s decision was sealed after discussions with Leeds head coach Lois Forsell. Speaking directly to the club, as quoted in Rugby League Express by senior writer Gareth Lovering, Elliston stated:

“When I spoke to Lois (Forsell, coach) about the ambitions of the club it was something I knew I wanted to be involved with.”

Lovering’s coverage highlighted Forsell’s vision for a competitive pack, which resonated with Elliston’s own drive. Elliston further expressed her enthusiasm upon arrival:

“I am excited to be here. I arrived on Monday and have had chance to look around the stadium and the training ground and it’s been a positive experience so far, so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

These statements, corroborated across outlets like Sky Sports Rugby League and analyst Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s commentary, paint a picture of a player fully committed to the Rhinos’ project.

When Could Elliston Make Her Rhinos Debut?

Timing could not be better for Elliston’s integration. She is in contention for an immediate debut in the Rhinos’ Challenge Cup opener against Leigh Leopards this Saturday at Headingley.

Leeds Rhinos official site correspondent Emily Hood reported that Elliston’s visa and registration are complete, allowing her to train fully this week. Hood quoted club sources confirming her eligibility, adding intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested early-season clash.

What Does Coach Lois Forsell Think of the New Signing?

Coach Lois Forsell is effusive about her latest recruit. In the club’s statement, as relayed by Rugby League World editor Paul Fitzpatrick, Forsell said:

“We are really pleased to have been able to recruit Georgia to our squad. She is a very skilful player and will be a great addition to our pack. She’s excited to get going and we are all looking forward to working with her.”

Fitzpatrick’s analysis praised Forsell’s recruitment strategy, noting Elliston’s skill set aligns perfectly with the need for dynamic forwards in the Women’s Super League.

Who Are the Other Recent Signings at Headingley?

Elliston joins a growing list of winter reinforcements. She is the third confirmed addition, following Lois Naidole’s permanent transfer from Huddersfield Giants.

Naidole, a versatile back, was a standout at the Giants, as covered by Huddersfield Daily Examiner reporter Sarah Connolly, who lamented her departure but wished her well.

Completing the trio is Nicole Kennedy from London Broncos on dual-registration. London Broncos official writer Tom Harris detailed Kennedy’s loan arrangement, which allows her to split time between clubs while gaining Super League exposure.

These signings, per Super League magazine’s roundup by editor Alex Service, indicate Leeds Rhinos’ intent to challenge for honours in 2026.

Why Is This Signing Significant for Leeds Rhinos’ Season Ambitions?

Leeds Rhinos enter the new campaign with renewed optimism. Women’s rugby league in the UK has exploded in popularity, with the Super League drawing record crowds and international talent.

Elliston’s arrival strengthens a forward pack that coach Forsell has targeted for improvement post-2025. Analysts like TalkSport pundit Lady Flo Baker have speculated that her physicality could be the “missing piece” for a title push.

Moreover, the Hale connection highlights the Rhinos’ global recruitment reach, vital in a code where NRLW stars increasingly eye UK opportunities.

What Is the Context of the Challenge Cup Tie Against Leigh?

Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash against Leigh Leopards is a high-stakes opener. Leigh, last season’s runners-up, boast a formidable pack, making Elliston’s potential debut all the more exciting.

Challenge Cup official preview by historian John Drake predicts a “cracker,” with Elliston’s energy possibly tipping the scales.

Broader Impact on Women’s Rugby League in the UK

This signing reflects the growing influx of Australian and New Zealand talent into British women’s rugby league. Clubs like Rhinos are leveraging personal networks to attract players like Elliston, elevating competition standards.

As The Guardian sportswriter Sean Ingle observed in a recent feature,

“The internationalisation of the women’s game is transforming Headingley into a true global hub.”