Hull KR have made a late move to sign Leeds Rhinos forward Rhyse Martin for the 2025 season. That’s according to Rugby League Live, who claim the Robins are now considered the favourites to secure the back rower as his Leeds contract ticks towards an expiry.
Martin’s Leeds Rhinos‘ future has been up in the air for some time, with the 31-year-old being heavily linked away from Headingley for a number of weeks. Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards were said to be keen, while there had been reports of some interest from the NRL, with the Dolphins taking a look at Martin.
However, as of last week, Leeds appeared to be in the driving seat to secure the Papua New Guinea man for at least one more season, with interest from elsewhere cooling. The report claims Rovers have made an approach, though, and are confident of securing their man.
KR have been busy when it comes to recruitment for the 2025 campaign and beyond, with five new signings already being announced. The Robins have secured Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from NRL side Sydney Roosters, while Tom Davies and Michael McIlorum will be making the move from Catalans Dragons.
They’ll be joined by Eribe Doro and Bill Leyland, with Martin seen as a player who may well be able to provide the finishing touches to Willie Peters’ squad. The current Super League rules regarding overseas players would leave KR needing to offload one of their quota stars, with seven players from Down Under already on the books for next season.
However, given Martin has been in the Super League for more than five years, he could qualify as a domestic player should the Super League go through with a mooted change of rules surrounding those overseas players who have British citizenship.
Of course, whether the deal is announced or not, Martin will be focused on achieving success with the Rhinos this season. The Rhinos are currently two points off the play-off pace in Super League and with Brad Arthur at the helm, they’ll be keen to build momentum and make a late play-off push over the remaining eight rounds.
Martin is in his sixth season with the Rhinos, where he has made 124 appearances, scoring 35 tries and kicked 408 goals.
