How Leeds Rhinos could line-up in Super League round one under Brad Arthur

Leeds Rhinos look to have made some very good recruitment ahead of the 2025 Super League season, after an underwhelming 2024.

They missed out on a play-off berth despite bringing in Parramatta Eels icon Brad Arthur as head coach, and while last year’s recruits didn’t live up to their billing, there’s an expectation that this year’s additions will be able to help the club back into the play-off picture.

Leeds Rhinos strongest XIII after impressive NRL recruitment

Full-back: Lachie Miller

Despite the signing of Jake Connor, Miller will probably be the best option at full-back, as if he can sort out some defensive inconsistency, he’ll be one of the very best in his position in this competition.

Wingers: Maika Sivo and Ryan Hall

With 104 tries in 115 games, Maika Sivo is an elite signing – and he’s up against two of the Super League’s top try-scorers over the past decade for a spot on the wing.

Down Under, people are convinced he’ll tear the league apart, but it’s yet to be seen how he’ll adapt to Super League.

Despite this, he surely has to be named in the starting XIII – and Ryan Hall might just get the nod on the other wing.

Centres: Harry Newman and Ash Handley

Handley is just too good to not have as a starter, and his 37 career games as a centre shows that he could fit in here, meaning the Rhinos still have his tremendous ability available to them.

Alongside him is a more traditional centre in Harry Newman, who has been good enough here in recent years to become a consistent part of the England set-up.

Halves: Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley

Jake Connor could be an option in the centres as well as on the wing, but it’s unlikely that he’ll make his way into the starting half-back pairing of 2024.

It seems that Croft will stay at the club despite reports linking him to an NRL move, and he will likely be joined again by fellow Aussie, Matt Frawley.

However, it may well be that Connor is able to push them and be a good back-up/rotation option.

Front row: Mikolaj Oledzki, Andy Ackers and Keenan Palasia

Mikolaj Oledzki should be a starter and he may well start games alongside Keenan Palasia, who made 15 appearances for Gold Coast Titans. Cooper Jenkins is also in contention for a starting spot.

Meanwhile, Andy Ackers should keep his starting role at number nine.

Back row: James Bentley, James McDonnell and Cameron Smith

James Bentley is expected to start in the back-row and alongside him, taking the role that Rhyse Martin last held, would likely be a fellow James – with McDonnell looking to continue his development for a further year.

Captain Cam Smith didn’t miss a game in 2024, and should hold on to his spot at loose-forward also.