Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the signing of a second forward from down under with the club getting their business done early.
The Rhinos had announced the arrival of prop forward Keenan Palasia earlier today with the Samoan international penning a two-year contract and becoming the first overseas recruit during Brad Arthur‘s spell at Leeds.
Palasia has now been followed by another forward from down under on a two-year deal with 23-year-old Cooper Jenkins confirmed as Leeds Rhinos’ second signing for 2025.
Jenkins will join Rhinos for the 2025 season on a two-year contract. His signing was announced today (Monday), 24 hours after he helped Queensland side Norths Devils to their first NRL State Championship with victory over New South Wales Cup winners Newtown Jets.
Jenkins contributed 132 metres and 24 tackles in Sunday’s Grand Final, completing a dream season for the prop who made 19 consecutive appearances in the Devils’ Queensland Cup title triumph. The 6ft 4ins, Newcastle-born forward began as a centre and is known for his pace, as well as size, having come through Newcastle Knights’ development programme and trained with Brisbane-based NRL club Dolphins ahead of the 2023 season.
Leeds Rhinos add more overseas depth to their pack
He is Leeds’ second overseas prop announced today, following Gold Coast Titans’ Keenan Palasia and the pair’s arrival completes Rhinos’ foreign quota for next year.
Speaking on signing for the Rhinos, Jenkins said: “I am really grateful and excited to be joining the Leeds Rhinos
“It is a great opportunity for me to be joining a great club like the Rhinos under a coach like Brad Arthur, who is well respected in the rugby league community. I am eager to develop and earn the respect from the players, staff and fans at the club and can’t wait to get over to England.”
Arthur reckons Jenkins is a star of the future. He said: “We are pleased to have secured an up and coming talent like Cooper and believe he has the attributes to really make a name for himself with Leeds Rhinos.
“He has been part of a successful team this season and knows the sacrifices it takes to succeed. He will add size and power to our forward pack and I am looking forward to seeing him here for the start of pre-season.”
Sporting director Ian Blease hailed Jenkins as “another great addition to our forward pack”. He added: “He is a very ambitious young player who arrives at the Leeds Rhinos and Super League at just 23.
“He is an excellent ball carrier, with fast leg speed, especially with his strength of carry. We have looked to add some size, presence and strength across our team for the 2025 season and beyond; Cooper certainly fits that bill [and] I’m excited to give him his opportunity at the Rhinos.”
