After a bitterly disappointing campaign in 2024, everyone associated with Leeds Rhinos is hoping that 2025 will be a season to remember for all the right reasons With the Betfred Super League Season just under a week away, the Leeds Rhinos have strengthened their side in all areas of the field. But will Brad Arthur find success in his first full season in charge of Leeds?
2025 will mark 10 years since the Rhinos won the treble and 20 years since their famous World Club Challenge win over the Canterbury Bulldogs – a victory to which their principal kit for the season pays homage. However, instead of looking at former glories, it is time for Leeds to create new memories and triumphs.
Brad Arthur’s first full season
As this is Brad Arthur’s first full season with the Rhinos, he is gearing up a side that is willing to compete with the top teams of the competition and will win trophies. His signings have all shown how he wants to add versatility, size and speed to his team. The players have all made it very clear that their pre-season under Arthur has been the toughest one they have ever faced. But they are all happy to be working with such a prolific figure within the game.
After taking over last season halfway through, after Rohan Smith’s sacking, the most noticeable change made during Arthur’s tenure last year was tightening up the defence, which has been rather passive in the last few years. Arthur has been keen to make them much more aggressive in their defensive line.
Those who have seen the four-part documentary on the club, Spirit of The Rhinos, also got to see how he sees the game, plans for a game and how he is with the players. It has been refreshing for the fans to see how his no-nonsense approach is exactly what the club needs.
Ryan Hall heads up the squad’s new additions
Ryan Hall re-signed with the Rhinos on a one-year deal with an option for a second year, which was announced during last season. Hall became Super League’s all-time top try scorer last season after overtaking the 247 tries formerly held by his ex-teammate and Head Coach of Castleford Tigers, Danny Maguire. Hall has 254 tries and counting and will be looking to add to his tally this coming season, which could be his final year of playing as the winger is now 37-years old.
Hall’s size offers a huge threat from Leeds’ back line which is something that has been missing for the last few years. He also will wear the number 5 jersey once again, rolling back the years. Although seeing Ash Handley wearing number 4 is taking some adjusting for my eyes!
Hall has scored 4 tries since returning to Headingley, one in Ash Handley’s testimonial game and a hat-trick against amateur side Wests Warriors in the Challenge Cup, and we expect to see plenty more once the Super League season kicks off.
Versatile Jake Connor proves a polarising choice
Jake Connor joins Leeds from the Huddersfield Giants on a two-year deal, and it is certainly the signing that has got the most polarising responses from fans, that is for sure. “Jake The Snake” shushed the Headingley South Stand last year in a gruelling game that saw Huddersfield win 24-30, with Connor being crucial in that victory. He also had a heated dispute with Harry Newman later in the year, when Leeds visited Huddersfield.
Connor has been signed for his versatility as he is able to play in the halves, at fullback, or out in the centres. He is a useful tool for Leeds for his ball playing ability too. He has shown the Headingley crowd his skills already, especially in the 18-16 victory on Boxing Day over Wakefield Trinity, scoring two tries in the first half with his audacious dummy.
Jake Connor also appears to be the Rhinos’ first choice kicker at goal this season, after the side are without Rhyse Martin who has signed for Grand Final runners-up Hull Kingston Rovers.
Youthful prop Jenkins shows great promise
Cooper Jenkins has been snapped up by the Rhinos on a two-year deal to bolster their pack, and the 23-year-old is looking to be a deadly force up front. Jenkins who was signed from the North Devils in Australia comes off the back of making 19 consecutive appearances to reach and be ever present in the Queensland Cup Final where North Devils defeated the Newtown Jets.
Jenkins is 6’4”, adding some noticeable size for the Rhinos, something which in recent seasons, Leeds have really lacked. The young prop is very athletic, even being a sprinter when he was a teen. He has shown a glimpse of what he has to offer for the Rhinos in the games he has taken part in so far.
Palasia takes number 10 jersey
Keenan Palasia is going to become a fan favourite very quickly, from the way he has started his life at Headingley. The Samoan is full of energy and has plenty of big shots in him, looking tough in defence and aggressive in attack. Palasia was signed from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, where he made 15 appearances for them in 2024. Palasia also showed an impressive display in the 2023 NRL Grand Final for Brisbane Broncos in their defeat to Penrith Panthers.
Palasia joins the side taking a two-year deal, and also taking the number 10 jersey from Tom Holroyd, which gives Holroyd all the more reason to have a big year this season to claim his shirt back.
Injured Fiji international Sivo forced to sit out the season
Maika Sivo looks set to be a superstar in the Super League, but we are going to have to wait for the 2026 season to see how he lights up the competition. Unfortunately, during the 22-4 pre-season and testimonial game for Ash Handley against Wigan Warriors, Sivo tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meaning he is out for the season. In his first game for the Rhinos on Boxing Day we got to see a little glimpse of his pace after a break from his 10-metre line before passing to Handley on his inside close to the Wakefield try line.
This is a massive blow for the Rhinos as he and Ryan Hall would have been a force to be reckoned with, out wide on their wings, as both players are huge in size and still very quick despite their ages.
The Fiji international joins Leeds on a three-year deal after being released by NRL side Parramatta Eels where he racked up 104 tries in just 115 appearances for the club.
Clark-Wood to stand in for Sivo
Ethan Clark-Wood is the last signing for the Rhinos this year, having been given an opportunity to prove himself on a one-year contract. The 24-year-old Australian centre has stepped in to replace Maika Sivo for the year.
His speed, size and finishing ability will be a great addition for the team. Clark-Wood was brought through the Penrith Panthers academy system before moving onto St Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters respectively. As noted on the Rhinos website, Clark-Wood was due to be playing this season in the Hostplus Cup for the Tweed Seagulls in 2025.
Clark-Wood is keen to impress Brad Arthur and his new fellow squad mates in the hopes of securing a longer contract for the Rhinos.
Should Leeds fans be excited?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, but do not expect them to be firing right out of the blocks. As always, early on in the season, teams are still blowing off their cobwebs and gelling together with their new signings. The key thing for Leeds this year is to be consistent, because they have been so hot and cold that they’re actually very good at being consistently inconsistent. If they can nail this issue, expect them to be competing in the top 4 this season.
Leeds Rhinos begin their Super League Campaign on 15 February 2025, 3pm, against local rivals Wakefield Trinity at Headingley with the game being shown on the red button on Sky Sports and Super League+.
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