Leeds Rhinos Sign Siddal Amateur Star Josh Milnes: Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos have offered Halifax-based amateur forward Josh Milnes a full-time pre-season trial ahead of the 2027 Super League season.
• Milnes is the brother of Bradford Bulls halfback Rowan Milnes and has previously represented the England Lions at the amateur level.
• The forward swept Siddal’s end-of-season awards, winning Supporters’ Player, Coaches’ Player, and Players’ Player of the Year.
• Milnes made his reserve team debut for the Rhinos off the bench against Hull FC in August.
• He will link up again with Jake Connor, his amateur head coach at Siddal, who also serves on the coaching setup under Leeds head coach Brad Arthur.
• Leeds have recently strengthened their middle-unit options by signing Wiremu Greig, Hugo Salabio, and Delaine Gittens on one-year contracts.
• Additional first-team recruits for 2027 include Dylan Walker, Nick Cotric, and Edenn Rogers-Smith.
• Milnes could feature in Leeds’ annual Boxing Day fixture against Super League champions Wakefield Trinity.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) October 29, 2026- Leeds Rhinos have handed local amateur forward Josh Milnes a full-time opportunity to link up with the Super League club for pre-season training ahead of the 2027 campaign. As reported by Matthew Shaw of Love Rugby League, the West Yorkshire side offered the Siddal player a contract to join their squad during the off-season to demonstrate his capabilities to head coach Brad Arthur and his coaching staff.

Who is Josh Milnes and why have Leeds Rhinos signed him?

Josh Milnes is an amateur rugby league forward who has played for National Conference League (NCL) premier division outfit Siddal, based in Halifax. He is widely regarded as one of the standout forwards in the amateur game and has previously represented the England Lions.

Milnes is also the brother of Bradford Bulls halfback Rowan Milnes. His performances in the NCL and his previous experience within the Leeds setup have earned him the chance to compete for a place in the Super League club’s senior environment.

During the recent amateur campaign, Milnes played a key role in guiding Siddal to the semi-finals of the NCL play-offs, where the team was eventually eliminated by West Hull. His individual performances throughout the season were recognised at Siddal’s end-of-season presentation evening, where he won the Supporters’ Player of the Year, Coaches’ Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

What prior experience does Josh Milnes have with Leeds Rhinos?

Josh Milnes has already featured for the Leeds Rhinos organisation, having made an appearance for the club’s reserve grade side. His debut for the reserves took place in August during a match against Hull FC, in which he entered the field as a substitute from the bench.

His move to the Rhinos’ pre-season setup will see him reunite with Jake Connor. Connor served as head coach at Siddal during the recent NCL season alongside his professional commitments, providing a familiar link for Milnes as he transitions into a full-time professional environment at Headingley.

How does Josh Milnes fit into Leeds Rhinos’ squad depth for 2027?

Leeds Rhinos have been actively expanding their squad depth ahead of pre-season testing. In recent weeks, the club has secured three permanent additions to its middle unit, signing Wiremu Greig, Hugo Salabio, and Delaine Gittens on one-year contracts.

Alongside these forward additions, the club has signed backline and utility players Dylan Walker, Nick Cotric, and Edenn Rogers-Smith to reinforce the squad following a campaign in which Leeds finished second in the regular Super League table before losing to Warrington Wolves in the play-off semi-finals at Headingley.

The Rhinos squad is scheduled to report back for pre-season training next month. The club has confirmed its traditional festive fixture, an annual Boxing Day match against reigning Super League champions Wakefield Trinity, which may provide Milnes with his first senior match opportunity in a Leeds shirt.

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What is the background of Leeds Rhinos’ recent squad additions and amateur pathways?

The recruitment of players from the National Conference League represents an established pathway within British rugby league, allowing top-performing amateur players to transition into full-time professional environments. Siddal ARLFC, based in Halifax, has historically developed players who have progressed to Super League and Championship clubs.

Leeds Rhinos’ recent roster management under head coach Brad Arthur has focused on strengthening the squad’s forward pack. The arrival of Wiremu Greig, Hugo Salabio, and Delaine Gittens on short-term one-year deals reflects an emphasis on competition for places in the middle unit.

Integrating players through reserve grade appearances and trial periods, as seen with Milnes’ outing against Hull FC in August, allows the coaching staff to evaluate players within the club’s performance system before making long-term roster commitments.

How will this development affect Leeds Rhinos supporters and the amateur game?

This development directly impacts Leeds Rhinos supporters, squad dynamics, and the broader community game across West Yorkshire.

For Leeds Rhinos supporters, the inclusion of Josh Milnes in pre-season training offers an opportunity to evaluate a local prospect during the upcoming festive fixtures. His presence adds further depth to the club’s forward options as they prepare for the 2027 Super League season following their semi-final exit in the previous play-off campaign.

For players and coaches within the National Conference League and community clubs like Siddal, Milnes’ trial demonstrates that direct pathways from top-tier amateur rugby league to professional Super League setups remain active. His progress provides a practical benchmark for amateur players seeking opportunities in the professional game.