Leeds Rhinos latest as Brodie Croft and NRL talks take new turn

Despite reports linking Leeds Rhinos half Brodie Croft to an NRL move, this may not be as imminent as it previously seemed. 

Reports emerged down under that St George Illawarra Dragons had set their sights on Croft who was among a shortlist of five men targetted to replace Ben Hunt, who was club captain before being released from the final year of his contract.

Serious About RL’s sister site The Yorkshire Evening Post then spoke with Ian Blease who explained that the NRL clause in the Australian’s contract had since passed, alleviating concerns that Croft would be leaving Headingley.

Of course, it did leave the possibility that the Dragons could still land the 27-year-old by buying out his contract and paying a significant fee.

Croft joined Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2024 season after stellar campaigns at Salford Red Devils, including a 2022 Man of Steel-winning season. He had signed for the Red Devils after accruing over 60 appearances in the NRL between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos.

Leeds Rhinos dealt NRL boost over Brodie Croft

Now, it seems that the Dragons may have shifted their attention elsewhere.

That’s because they can’t secure a release from his contract with Leeds Rhinos, as Ian Blease had previously told the YEP.

Now, the Dragons are reportedly looking at Cronulla Sharks man Daniel Atkinson to fill the space left by Ben Hunt, according to the Australian Daily Telegraph.

This news is a major boost to Brad Arthur’s side who could not afford to lose their star player so late in the off-season window given that most recruitment has already been done.

This season may not have been Croft’s best, but he still ranked third in try assists across the season – with his 22 just two behind league leaders Lachlan Lam and Mikey Lewis.

He may end up playing alongside Jake Connor at times in 2025, but Matt Frawley is expected to be the man chosen to start with Croft in the halves.

They’ll be hoping this saga is over sooner rather than later, now that preparations for next season are starting up.