Hull FC target rejects club to sign for Leeds Rhinos

Hull FC have been knocked back in the transfer market today as one of their targets has signed for Leeds Rhinos instead.

Rhinos forward Jarrod O’Connor has committed his future to the club after signing a new three year contract that will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Rhinos in 2020 and has since made 24 appearances for the club including eight appearances this season after cementing his place in the matchday squad.

Commenting on his new deal, O’Connor said, “I’m happy to get my new contract over the line so I can look forward to the future. The club showed a lot of faith in me when they brought me here when Widnes went into administration and I just see my future here going forward. This is always where I wanted to be.

“Rohan Smith has shown a lot of faith in me since he became coach. He’s a big reason to stay as well. Training is going well and I’ve been getting the game time which is helping me to improve.

“I’m feeling better each week and with each game that goes by with the more minutes I play. As a group we want to get the club back up to the top of the table and start winning trophies again. Especially with all the young lads coming through, we’re all quite close and all want to stay here and be one of those generations that stays together and wins loads of trophies,” added O’Connor.

Head Coach Rohan Smith commented, “Jarrod has been in impressive form in recent weeks and it is a boost for our squad that we have secured him for the next three years. He is a hard working player, who is always keen to improve himself with extras after training. I am sure we will see even more improvement in the years ahead.”