Second-rower Morgan Gannon has been in impressive form for Rhinos this term, after missing the entire 2024 campaign because of concussion.
He is in the final year of his contract and media reports suggest he is wanted by New Zealand Warriors, but asked about Gannon’s future at his weekly preview press conference today, Arthur said he expects the Halifax-born forward to still be at Leeds in 2026.
“Bleasy [sporting director] Ian Blease is in the process of working with his management on extending his deal,” Arthur said.
“What I do know is Morgan loves the club here and appreciates what the club has done for him. All the indications are that he wants to continue to play here.
“At some stage, he might have the aspiration and desire to play in the NRL, but I think that might be further down the track.
“It’s his choice and his business, but I’m pretty comfortable I know where he’s at. I would expect him to be playing for Leeds next year, but until it’s sorted, the decision has yet to be made.”
Richard Agar, who was in charge at Leeds Rhinos when Gannon made his debut four years ago, is now an assistant-coach at the Warriors.
Arthur admitted Gannon “would be excited about that kind of interest”, but stressed: “He’s a pretty level-headed kid and knows he’s still a long way off where he can get to with his development.
“Does he have the potential to eventually play in the NRL? He might do, but I think, at the moment, he’s best served to stay here.”
