Leeds Rhinos today announced a surprise signing just five days before their Betfred Super League season gets underway.
Australian centre Ethan Clark-Wood was due to arrive at AMT Headingley this afternoon and could come into contention for Saturday’s home derby against Wakefield Trinity.
The 24-year-old will fill the gap in Rhinos’ squad left by star winger Maika Sivo’s season-long injury.
Sivo has been ruled out of the entire 2025 campaign with anterior cruciate ligament damage suffered during Ash Handley’s testimonial game against Wigan Warriors two weeks ago.
The Fijian international is contracted to Leeds until the end of 2027, but will not count on this year’s salary cap as he hasn’t played a competitive game.
Rhinos have received overseas quota dispensation for Sivo from the RFL, allowing the club to bring in Clark-Wood.
Clark-Wood is a product of the Penrith Panthers’ junior system and featured for St George-Illawarra and Sydney Roosters in his development career.
He played for Roosters in last year’s pre-season challenge against South Sydney Rabbitohs and has been training with NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
He was due to play for Tweed Seagulls in the second-tier Queensland Cup this year, before signing for Leeds.
Leeds Rhinos swoop for NRL centre
Ahead of the new Betfred Super League season kicking off this weekend, Leeds Rhinos have bolstered their squad with the signing of 24-year-old Australian centre Ethan Clark-Wood.
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 10, 2025
“I can’t wait to get started with the Rhinos and I am excited about the opportunity,” Clark-Wood said.
“I first spoke to [coach] Brad Arthur on the phone last Tuesday, so it has happened very quickly.
“Brad asked me about what I wanted from my career and he told me what he was looking for from me.
“It was a good conversation and it really made my mind up. Up until this year, I had never lived away from home but it has been good over the last few months to be at Tweed and get used to that.
“I suppose it was a good taster to move away and I feel I am ready for this opportunity to come to England.”
Clark-Wood is confident his NRL training will stand him in good stead for Betfred Super League.
“I feel it was good to compete with the Gold Coast boys in pre-season, that has primed and prepared me to come over to England and show what I can do,” he vowed.
“Training with NRL players every day has given me confidence for sure; when you are competing against those guys, naturally you are going to get better.
“I have signed a one- year deal, which I think is great for all parties. I want to stay for longer but it is up to me to show what I can do to try and make it an extended stay.”
Rhinos switched co-captain Ash Handley from wing to centre this year and also have England international Harry Newman in Clark-Wood’s position.
Arthur said: “We are pleased to have brought in Ethan and look forward to integrating him into our group.
“It was disappointing to lose Maika for the season, but we have looked to bring some depth to our backs by bringing Ethan in.
“We have some very talented young backs at our club and it is important they too have opportunities to develop and grow in the coming years, which is why we have just done the one year deal for now.”
Sporting director Ian Blease added: “Ethan comes from good systems over in Australia at Penrith, St George and the Roosters, so we know he knows the standards that are required.
“He has impressed us with his determination to succeed, backing himself to perform well in Super League and earning his place in the team.”
