New Rhinos spine ready for success

Success and silverware are the main focuses for the Leeds Rhinos' newcomers it seems, and they are relishing the task that's ahead of them. The Rhinos have recruited effectively during the off-season, and the team will have a fresh spine, as they look to reiterate the glory of the past in the upcoming campaign.

Described by many as one of the Super League's best half-backs, Australian Brodie Croft is one of the Rhinos' high profile recruits for 2024, as he makes the short move over from Salford Red Devils.

Croft made 25 appearances for Salford last year, and had become an integral part of their team, with 21 try assists and his leadership both on and off the field. He was also a worthy winner of the Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award in 2022 after a remarkable season saw the Red Devils reach the top-six and compete in the play-offs, and Croft establish himself as a quality half-back.

Game-changer ?

Brodie Croft bringing plays like this to @leedsrhinos in 2024 ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/7J88qyIq7t
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 16, 2023

Speaking to Leeds Rhinos, Croft has expressed his excitement over joining the side and is well aware of the incredible history held by the club he will be playing for:

"I can't wait to see what 2024 has in store. Seeing all the rich heritage that this club has and knowing we're going to be wearing this Leeds jersey next year - and everyone's going to be cheering us on.

"We will be doing everything we can to perform well for the Leeds Faithful and chase the elusive silverware."

Dominating the sport and Super League era between 2004-2015, the then Rhinos squad possessed an array of talent, and were famously known as the "Golden Generation", winning a magnificent seven Grand Finals, three League Leaders' Shields and two Challenge Cups.

A period of mass change and players retiring or moving on to pastures new however meant that the Rhinos' glory days became both indeed elusive as Croft described - and limited, where the club haven't lifted the League Leaders' Shield since 2015, nor reclaimed the Champions title since 2017. 

Although Betfred Super League Grand Finalists in 2022, the Rhinos were unable to capitalise, and their most recent piece of silverware comes in the form of the Betfred Challenge Cup, a final played behind closed doors in 2020 for the first time in the competition's history, due to the then ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

But Croft believes it can be possible for Leeds to achieve similar success once again.

"It's hugely honouring and humbling to be a Leeds player and I can't wait to get stuck into things." 

First week of pre-season for Brodie Croft ? pic.twitter.com/XJUk6H2X5P
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) November 17, 2023

"I'm looking forward to striving to do great things. I look at this squad and there's so much talent and so many athletes - it does really excite me to be a part of it and I can't wait to see what happens next year."

Croft also believes that the key to helping on-the-field performances is by having tight-knit groups, which can help form relationships and find the right combinations. And this should be fairly easy for him as he is already close to his team-mate Andy Ackers, both on and off the field.

"I love playing with him, I love what he's about. I think he's the best hooker in the country."

Welcome to the Rhinos Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers ??
Find out more here https://t.co/dfD9qvb9ju pic.twitter.com/Z8lE89nzyk
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) October 18, 2023

Andy Ackers, another strong signing from Salford, is also extremely ambitious, and recognised the vision of his new Leeds Rhinos club when he spoke to them.

"With how prestigious and how much success they (Leeds) have had over the years, I'm looking to add my part to the club to bring that success back and it'll be a really proud moment when we do so.

"They've recruited a really good spine. I'm really proud and grateful to be a part of it.

"Every time I put my shirt on, I'll be giving 110%" - this is a reassuring statement for all Rhinos fans to hear!

And whilst Ackers knows there will be some competition for the number 9 shirt, he is looking forward to working with young prospects and fellow Rhinos hookers Jarrod O'Connor and Corey Johnson, as well as being alongside Brodie Croft.

"We've got a good relationship, as we've worked with each other the past 24 months. We know each other and where we play, and this can only complement the club moving forward."

Making up another part of the Leeds' spine will be skilled half-back Matt Frawley, who is no stranger to the Betfred Super League after a short stint in 2019 with Huddersfield Giants. He is set to partner Brodie Croft in the halves, which is already predicted to make a dangerous partnership - something which is imperative if Rohan Smith's men are to contest with the best in 2024. 

"I think I'm coming back as a different player," Frawley has said to Leeds Rhinos, who is impressed with their squad and is ready to offer and add his experience and abilities within the team. "It's a big club. They expect success and they expect trophies and that's what I want to be part of."

"Winning games is the plan this year."

Also hoping cement his place in the team is Lachlan Miller, a man who is ready to establish himself as a first choice full-back for 2024. Other signings include Mickael Goudemand from Catalans, winger Paul Momirovski from Sydney Roosters, and youngster Kieran Hudson, who has signed from local rivals Castleford Tigers.

As the Betfred Super League season is almost upon us, Ackers and Croft will be preparing to face their former club in their Round 1 clash, when the Rhinos host Salford Red Devils at AMT Headingley Stadium on a Friday night. The pair are set to make their debuts in Rhinos colours for the first time, which will no doubt be a tough one to take for the Salford fanbase - making it a tense encounter.

That @AndyAckers9 & Brodie Croft link up at AMT Headingley ?

Same again in Round 1 for @leedsrhinos against their former club @SalfordDevils? ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/XPJNag4O1N
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 24, 2023

And with an eagerly anticipated home game to kickstart the season, the new Rhinos recruits will have a chance to showcase their 2024 intentions right from the start. With clear goals of success and silverware outlined from them, can we expect an exciting year at the Rhinos?