2023 Season Preview: Leeds Rhinos

2022 was a rollercoaster year for Leeds Rhinos. Two wins from their opening ten games left the Rhinos flirting with relegation following Richard Agar's early season departure, before the arrival of Rohan Smith dramatically changed the club's fortunes. Rohan's revival at the Rhinos quickly gathered momentum during the second half of the year, culminating in their first Grand Final appearance since winning the competition in 2017.

Despite falling short at Old Trafford, the Rhinos have momentum heading into 2023. Importantly, Smith will get to implement more of his ideas and philosophies during his first pre-season at the club, having only arrived half-way through the 2022 campaign. That extra time to work with the players and coaching staff ahead of the new season will be invaluable and can only improve the Rhinos as they look to go one better in 2023. 

Ins & Outs

Ins

Derrell Olpherts (Castleford Tigers), Sam Lisone (Gold Coast Titans), Justin Sangare (Toulouse Olympique), James McDonnell (Wigan Warriors), Luke Hooley (Batley Bulldogs), Luis Roberts (Leigh Leopards), Leon Ruan (Doncaster), Nene Macdonald (Leigh Leopards)

Outs

Liam Sutcliffe (Hull FC), Tom Briscoe (Leigh Leopards), Zak Hardaker (Leigh Leopards), Brad Dwyer (Hull FC), Bodene Thompson (Bradford Bulls), Matt Prior (retired), Jack Walker (Bradford Bulls), Muizz Mustapha (Castleford Tigers), Jack Broadbent (Castleford Tigers)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Cameron Smith has become a real fan favourite at the Rhinos. He embodies everything Leeds supporters look for in a Rhinos player - skilful, creative, tough and committed. Smith was a leading figure in the Rhinos' charge to the 2022 Grand Final and has been rewarded for his efforts with the coveted number 13 shirt for 2023.

He's all but cemented his spot at loose forward and should continue to thrive under Rohan Smith in 2023. There's a new found freedom to the Rhinos attack under Rohan Smith and Cameron should be one of the main benefactors - expect him to be pushing for international honours sooner rather than later if he continues to improve on the same trajectory. 

Leeds Rhinos forward Cameron Smith has committed his long term future to the club after signing a new contract that will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2026 Super League season and he will wear 1?3? next season
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) November 30, 2022

Rhinos vice-captain Ash Handley was desperately unlucky to miss out on England selection for the World Cup. He was consistently good for the Rhinos in 2022 - irrespective of how the side was performing as a collective.

Handley finished as the top metre maker in Betfred Super League last season, as well as taking more carries than any other player in the competition. He possesses an immense work rate whether he's carrying the ball from a kick return or involved in a try scoring situation. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a home World Cup, his admission from the England squad does have its upsides. Handley has been able to enjoy a full off-season and is no doubt ready to standout again in 2023.

Next generation

Tom Holroyd will be desperate to put a forgettable 2022 season behind him. After injury railroaded the first half of his year, Holroyd was hit with a huge 10-match ban on his return whilst out on loan at Bradford Bulls in May. He finally returned to action during the Rhinos' Boxing Day clash with Wakefield Trinity and gave Leeds fans a taste of what?s to come from the bustling front rower in 2023.

With Matt Prior announcing his retirement during the off-season and Bodene Thompson moving on from the club, as well as Mikolaj Oledzki set to miss the start of the new season through injury, there are gaps to fill in the Rhinos pack. And if Holroyd gets his chance early on in the season, he could be a breakout star of 2023.

Defining dates

After the Rhinos end of year resurgence, it's imperative they start 2023 with a bang. Rohan Smith will be keen to keep the ball rolling into the new season as he looks to go one better during his first full year in charge.

Moreover, the Rhinos began 2022 in disappointing fashion. They won just one of their opening nine games before Rohan Smith's appointment instigated a monumental revival at Headingley.

In 2023, the Rhinos begin with a repeat of their 2022 opener against Warrington Wolves - and they'll be looking for revenge after an agonising defeat last time round. That's followed by a home clash against Hull FC - a side that have started brightly in recent seasons and handed the Rhinos a defeat during the opening rounds of 2022. In Round 3, they face a trip to the Saints in a repeat of the 2022 Grand Final, with the added caveat of failing to beat Saints at the Totally Wicked Stadium since 2018.

Squad list

1. Richie Myler, 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Nene McDonald, 5. Ash Handley, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Kruise Leeming, 10. Zane Tetevano, 11. James Bentley, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Cameron Smith, 14. Jarrod O'Connor, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Derrell Olpherts, 17. Justin Sangare, 18. Tom Holroyd, 19. James McDonnell, 20. Morgan Gannon, 21. Luke Hooley, 22. Sam Walters, 23. Liam Tindall, 24. Luis Roberts, 25. James Donaldson, 26. Corey Johnson, 27. Toby Warren, 28. Max Simpson, 29. Jack Sinfield, 30. Levi Edwards, 31. Leon Ruan, 32. Oli Field, 33. Joe Gibbons 34. Alfie Edgell, 35. Riley Lumb, 38. Jack Smith.