Leeds plan double swoop from Cowboys

Leeds Rhinos are understood to be planning a move for North Queensland Cowboys pair Justin O’Neill and Shaun Fensom.

Both players are out of contract at the end of 2018 and have yet to be offered new deals.

O’Neill is a two-time Premiership winner and has been capped twice by Australia, as well as being a regular for Queensland in State of Origin. The 27-year-old also scored two tries at Headingley in the Cowboys’ 2016 World Club Challenge win over Leeds.

With Ryan Hall on his way out and Jimmy Keinhorst also set to leave, the Rhinos are desperate to bolster their outside backs so see O’Neill as the perfect candidate.

Fensom, 29, is an NRL veteran with over 150 appearances to his name.

He was a key figure at Canberra Raiders before joining the Cowboys and featured in last year’s Grand Final. Unfortunately for him, a double leg break cut his game short and has hindered him during the current season.

With the futures of a number of Leeds forwards still unclear, Fensom would add some much needed assurance and experience to their back row.

Should they sign, the pair would be the Rhinos’ third and fourth signings for 2019, following New Zealand international Tuimoala Lolohea and former Castleford youngster Callum McLelland.