Leeds Rhinos 2025 season preview
2024 recap
Leeds fell just two points short of the play-offs in 2024, with inconsistency proving their biggest downfall. Coach Rohan Smith departed halfway through the campaign and despite replacement Brad Arthur picking up some notable wins, including a 30-4 demolition of eventual champions, Wigan, the Rhinos missed out on a top six finish for the second straight year.
2024 position: 8th
Key signings
Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Keenan Palasia (Gold Coast Titans), Cooper Jenkins (Norths Devils), Jake Connor (Huddersfield Giants), Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels)
Key departures
James Donaldson (Bradford Bulls), Rhyse Martin (Hull KR), David Fusitu’a (Released), Luis Roberts (Released), Corey Johnson (Sheffield Eagles), Kieran Hudson (York Knights), Mickael Goudemand (Albi Rugby League), Leon Ruan (Hull KR), Alfie Johnson (Warrington Wolves), Paul Momirovski (Lézignan Sangliers), Justin Sangare (Salford Red Devils)
Players to watch
New signing Jake Connor is overdue a big season after a couple of disappointing years with Huddersfield. There’s no doubting his ability, but his inconsistency and a reputation for being one of the league’s biggest wind-up merchants often overshadow it. If he’s on his game though, he’ll be a big asset for the side.
Ryan Hall is back for a final swansong with his beloved Rhinos after six years away, and he returns as Super League’s all-time leading try scorer. As well as putting some distance between himself and the next man on the list – Josh Charnley – he’ll be looking to bow out with one last Grand Final winner’s medal, having picked up six in his first stint at the club.
Young gun
Alfie Edgell enjoyed something of a breakout year in 2024, appearing in all but two of Leeds’ league games. The young fullback is still only 20, and while he may have to bide his time for chances this year, the loss of Maika Sivo to injury could open the door for him to stake a claim for a regular spot on the wing in 2025.
Our prediction – 7th
I can see Leeds doing a little better this year, but still ultimately falling short of the top six. When I look at the other teams in the competition, I’m just not sure who’ll they dislodge from a play-off spot, and the loss of Maika Sivo for the season before it’s even started is absolutely huge.
