Leeds Rhinos Squad Contracts and Lengths Detailed for 2026

Key Points

• Squad Rebuild Underway: Leeds Rhinos are managing substantial squad turnover ahead of the 2027 season, following several departures and high-profile signings.
• Crucial Re-Signings and Extensions: Head Coach Brad Arthur has committed his future to Headingley with a two-year extension, while versatile assets like Chris Hankinson and Kallum Watkins are in active talks to extend their stays.
• Key Departures Handled: The departures of several senior players—including stars heading to the NRL’s newly-formed Perth Bears—have been confirmed as the club re-balances its salary cap.
• Youth System Investment: A record number of academy and scholarship prospects have been secured on professional terms to build long-term depth.

Headingley Stadium (The Leeds Times) July 17, 2026 – The brand-new structural landscape of the Leeds Rhinos’ first-team squad is taking definitive shape, as sporting director Ian Blease and head coach Brad Arthur accelerate negotiations to secure their primary assets. Amidst high-profile departures to both the National Rugby League (NRL) and domestic rivals, the Yorkshire-based club is undergoing a strategic rebuild designed to ensure salary cap flexibility while maintaining their competitive edge in the Betfred Super League.

What is the Current Contract Status of Every Leeds Rhinos Player?

The long-term planning at Leeds Rhinos is highly active, with the hierarchy systematically addressing expiring terms. Below is the complete, official breakdown of how long every contracted first-team squad member has remaining on their current agreements.

Which Players See Their Contracts Expire at the End of the 2026 Season?

The 2026 season represents a critical threshold for several senior players, with many entering the final year of their terms.

• James Bentley (Second-Row/Loose Forward): The fierce forward is contracted through the end of 2026.
• Matt Frawley (Half-Back): The Australian playmaker remains on the books until late 2026.
• Sam Lisone (Prop): The powerful front-rower’s current contract runs until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
• Ryan Hall (Winger): The legendary veteran winger, who returned to Headingley, is signed through 2026 but is expected to consider retirement as he turns 39 in late 2026.
• Jake Connor (Utility Back): The versatile playmaker remains under contract until the end of 2026.
• Keenan Palasia (Forward): The former NRL forward is secured through the 2026 campaign.
• Cooper Jenkins (Prop): The imposing front-rower is locked in until 2026.

Which Players Are Secured on Long-Term Deals Until 2027 and Beyond?

Leeds has prioritised tying down core talent and top-tier youth prospects to multi-year arrangements.

• Brodie Croft (Half-Back): The former Man of Steel was contracted to 2026, though high-profile interest from Warrington Wolves has seen speculation rise regarding a potential 2027 transition.
• Ash Handley (Winger): The England international star winger is secured on a long-term agreement extending through 2027.
• Lachie Miller (Full-Back): The electric Australian fullback is committed to Leeds until at least the end of the 2027 season.
• Alfie Edgell (Utility Back): The rising talent recently signed a contract extension, securing his future at Headingley until 2027.
• Andy Ackers (Hooker): The experienced hooker is tied down until the end of the 2027 campaign.
• Tom Nicholson-Watton (Prop): The highly regarded local junior signed a three-year contract extension keeping him at Headingley until the end of 2027.
• Morgan Gannon (Second-Row): In a massive recruitment boost, Gannon returns to the Rhinos on a three-year contract running from 2027 through 2029 following his stint with the NRL’s New Zealand Warriors.
• Jarrod O’Connor (Hooker): Tying down one of their most consistent performers, Leeds secured O’Connor on an extension keeping him at AMT Headingley until the end of 2028.
• Presley Cassell (Loose Forward): The teenage sensation is contracted on a long-term professional development deal expiring at the end of 2028.

How is Head Coach Brad Arthur Reshaping the Club’s Culture?

The retention of Brad Arthur on a two-year contract extension was hailed by Leeds sporting director Ian Blease as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term recruitment strategy. The head coach’s commitment provides stability for players negotiating new terms.

As reported by rugby league journalist Josh McAllister, head coach Brad Arthur confirmed that active talks are underway with former England international Kallum Watkins and utility back Chris Hankinson. Arthur commented:

“Kallum wants to stay, we want him to stay and Ian [Blease] is sorting that out. We want him to continue being a leader for our club and keep showing the way for the young guys. He’s such a good example of what to do and how to behave.”

Hankinson, who signed a one-year contract extension for 2026, has reportedly earned the coaching staff’s trust and is expected to sign an extension through 2027. Arthur noted:

“Ian Blease is doing a really good job of keeping the guys we want to keep, and Chris Hankinson is certainly someone who wants to stay. He’s all about the team.”

Background of the Leeds Rhinos Squad Development

The current contractual state is the direct result of a calculated transition period initiated by sporting director Ian Blease. After several seasons of mixed results and transitions under former coaching regimes, Leeds faced an imminent squad vacuum with multiple senior players off-contract or targeted by NRL franchises.

The introduction of the Perth Bears into the NRL for the 2027 season has drastically altered Super League retention dynamics.

High-profile local juniors Harry Newman and James McDonnell, alongside England international prop Mikolaj Oledzki, have already committed to joining the Western Australian franchise. Simultaneously, club captain Cameron Smith is set to move to Super League rivals Wakefield Trinity.

To offset these major departures, the club has relied heavily on its highly rated academy system, culminating in a joint-club record of 15 scholarship prospects signing professional terms.

By securing young talent early, the Rhinos aim to mitigate the financial pressure caused by the inflating NRL salary cap and a highly competitive domestic market.

Prediction: How Will This Squad Reshaping Affect Leeds Rhinos Supporters?

For the Headingley faithful, this transitional phase presents both a test of patience and an exciting window into the club’s next generation. Supporters should prepare for a noticeable shift in the team’s identity over the next twelve to eighteen months.

The departure of established stars like Mikolaj Oledzki, Cameron Smith, and Harry Newman will inevitably create a temporary void in on-field leadership and star power.

However, the long-term retention of key spine players such as Jarrod O’Connor, combined with the highly anticipated return of Morgan Gannon, ensures that the core structure of the squad remains exceptionally competitive.

Financially, releasing multiple marquee contracts to the NRL frees up significant salary cap space. This allows Ian Blease and Brad Arthur the leverage required to target elite-tier replacements, particularly in the halves and front row.

While the 2026 season demands maximum focus, fans can realistically expect a younger, more versatile, and locally-rooted Leeds Rhinos outfit to emerge as genuine title contenders as these long-term contracts mature.