Leeds Rhinos are considering their options in the transfer market Serious About Rugby League understands.
The Rhinos have decided to get to the New Year with their current squad before seeing what may materialise in the New Year.
Serious About Rugby League understands that the Rhinos are happy to begin the new season with their current squad but wouldn’t be adverse to completing a further signing ahead of the new campaign.
This won’t be former rugby union star Ryan Boyce. He has been on trial with the Rhinos but is likely to join a Championship club and be monitored by the Rhinos moving forward.
The Rhinos are also operating at a one in, one out transfer policy so any recruitment would have to be facilitated by a departure. Derrell Olpherts is the key for the Rhinos who is in high demand with both Leigh Leopards and Bradford Bulls previously interested. Salford Red Devils will likely consider him as well to replace Joe Burgess.
Lee Kershaw has been training with the Rhinos and could sign for the club should Olpherts depart.
The Rhinos have completed some outstanding business ahead of 2024 such as the double coup of Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft.
The former spoke about their former club Salford Red Devils on the Rhinos’ YouTube channel: “I was really proud to represent the place, it’s ran by Paul Rowley who is a great person, a great coach and a great friend.
“I’ve got a lot of great friends there, but I’m committed to the Rhinos now. It’s going to be a really proud moment pulling on this jersey and representing this great club.”
Ackers and co have just returned from a pre-season camp in Portugal. Ackers said:
“It was great for the lads, something like that always picks the morale up. There was loads of bonding with the lads, great sessions… long sessions, but we got a lot out of it.
“We learnt a lot about each other, and a bit of sun before Christmas just picks the morale up, it was a great week. The lads are raring to go now on Boxing Day.”
He is delighted to run out for the Rhinos in that Boxing Day clash against Wakefield Trinity:
“It’s come towards the back end of my career, but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
“I’m 30 on Christmas Day, so it would be a good birthday present to get the win, but it’s a new experience for me and I’m looking forward to it.
“We’ve been hearing a lot of positives about Wakefield, about their new ownership and the way they’ve recruited. It should be a good game, a good encounter, and it’ll help us to get our feet on the ground running ready for the 2024 season.”
