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2026 Season Preview: Leeds Rhinos
6 hrs
Brad Arthur’s influence at Headingley is increasingly visible. The Rhinos are on an upward trajectory, but the manner of their 2025 Play-Off exit against St Helens exposed the gap still separating Leeds from being genuine title contenders.
They head into the new season with unfinished business and a point to prove. Impressive wins over eventual Champions Hull KR last season showed that the Rhinos have a squad capable of challenging at the top.
If the Rhinos can translate their strengthened squad - which includes astute signings such as Danny Levi and Ethan O’Neill - and growing maturity into consistency, they have the potential to re-establish themselves as a genuine title threat and bring the glory years back to AMT Headingley Stadium...
? Thank you for everything in 2025 Rhinos fans ?
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 31, 2025
Who’s with us in 2??0??2??6?? ?
#2025recap pic.twitter.com/kr4yOhtO9s
Ins & Outs:
Ins: Jeremiah Mata’utia (North Queensland Cowboys), Ethan O’Neill (Leigh), Chris Hankinson (Salford Red Devils), Danny Levi (Canberra Raiders)
Outs: Morgan Gannon, Sam Lisone, Matt Frawley, Ethan Clark-Wood, Jack Smith, Andy Ackers, James Bentley, Jack Sinfield
Who are the ones to watch?
The arrival of Maika Sivo on a three-year deal last season was initially viewed as a statement signing, bringing proven NRL try-scoring pedigree to the Rhinos’ backline. However, an early injury setback stopped any momentum in its track, forcing Sivo to sit out the entire 2025 campaign. He returns this year fit and raring to go, aiming to rekindle the form he found under Brad Arthur during his time at Parramatta Eels.
Jake Connor was at the heart of the Rhinos' 2025 resurgence. Under the careful guidance of Brad Arthur, Connor enjoyed his best ever season in Super League, capped off by winning the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award. After controversially missing out on England selection, Connor has been able to focus his time on returning to pre-season fully fit and ready to elevate his game to the next level once again.
Ethan O’Neill signed for Leeds off the back of an impressive debut Super League season with Leigh last year, where he emerged as of the Leopards' top tacklers (692). He strengthens the Rhinos' pack after notable departures, and he’s clearly motivated to step up his game under his new head coach and help the club push for silverware in 2026.
Who is the next generation?
Young Rhinos forward Presley Cassell made his first-team debut against Salford last season and went on to register seven Super League appearances. Among them was a standout display on his first start for the club, coming against treble winners Hull KR. Cassell showed he is more than capable of mixing it with the best in the competition, taking no backward steps whenever called upon, and will be aiming to cement a regular place in the Rhinos’ matchday 17 this year.
What are the defining dates?
Leeds head to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in Round 3 to take on the treble-winning Robins. And while the success of their year doesn’t rely solely on this early season Transatlantic trip, it’s an opportunity to show observers across the globe that the Rhinos are a force to be reckoned with.
Vegas is NEXT MONTH!
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) January 16, 2026
Ensure you're fully prepared for this huge event with the NEW Leeds Rhinos 2026 Vegas Shirt
??https://t.co/TivcMwu6KJ pic.twitter.com/mCl3Jy58L4
During the latter stages of the season, Brad Arthur’s side face two hugely important Final Charge fixtures. A trip to St Helens in Round 25 is followed by a home clash with Wigan the following week in what could be pivotal moment in the Rhinos 2026 season...
Who's also excited for the return of the Leeds-Bradford Derby? We know we are!
What is the 2026 squad list?
1. Lachie Miller, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Ash Handley (C), 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Brodie Croft, 7. Jake Connor, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Jarrod O’Connor, 10. Tom Holroyd, 11. Kallum Watkins (VC), 12. James McDonnell, 13. Keenan Palasia, 14. Chris Hankinson, 15. Cooper Jenkins, 16. Ethan O’Neill, 17. Cameron Smith, 18. Max Simpson, 19. Jeremiah Mata’utia, 20. Presley Cassell, 21. Alfie Edgell, 22. Riley Lumb, 23. Danny Levi, 24. Ned McCormack, 25. Ben Littlewood, 26. Tom Nicholson-Watton
What are the Rhinos' first three games on SuperLeague+?
SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch the Rhinos in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*
- Round 1: Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos - Friday 13 February (K.O. 8pm)
- Round 2: Leeds Rhinos v York Knights - Friday 20 February (K.O. 8pm)
- Round 4: Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers - Sunday 8 March (K.O. 3pm)
*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Rhinos match LIVE every week.
Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!
What are the Rhinos' Betfred Odds?
Grand Final – 11/2
Regular season winner – 5/1
Top 6 finish – 2/9
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Lachlan Miller 12/1
Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds
Where can I follow the Rhinos on social media?
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The Rhinos and 30 years of Super League:
Over 30 years in Super League, Leeds Rhinos have established themselves as one of the competition’s most successful and influential clubs. Since the league’s inception in 1996, the Rhinos have built a dynasty marked by persistent excellence, winning multiple Super League titles and historic feats that defined an era of dominance in the 2000s and 2010s.
Their success has been driven by a blend of world-class talent, strong leadership, and a distinctive attacking style of rugby league.
Key players have shaped this golden period; the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire, Jamie Peacock and the late, great Rob Burrow steered the Rhinos through a golden era for the club, delivering trophies and unforgettable moments. Together, these players helped Leeds Rhinos build a legacy of resilience, teamwork, and winning mentality that has left a lasting mark on the Super League era.
From their first triumph in 2004, to winning to treble in 2015, to their most recent Grand Final success in 2017, the Rhinos have been an immovable force in Super League. They are also the only side in the history of the competition to win the Grand Final from as low as fifth place.
And under the more recent guidance of Brad Arthur, there is hope the Rhinos can once again reign supreme.
The Rhinos are 8x Super League champions and 3x League Leaders' Shield winners.
