Leeds Rhinos set to sign forward from Super League rivals in huge coup

Leeds Rhinos are on the verge of making an eye-catching signing from one of their top-flight rivals.

Leeds are understood to be close to agreeing a three-year contract with second-row forward Ethan O’Neill, who scored seven tries in 22 games for Leigh Leopards this year.

The 26-year-old joined Leigh ahead of the 2025 season from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears, having also played in that competition for Tweed Seagulls and Central Capras.

He had stints training with South Sydney and Brisbane Broncos without making an NRL appearance, but featured for the Rabbitohs’ second-string New South Wales Cup team.

O’Neill, 26, is son of Julian O’Neill, who played in England with Leigh, London Broncos, Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and Wakefield Trinity.

Though born in Sydney, he is not on the overseas quota, having played for Widnes community club Halton Farnworth Hornets during his dad’s time in England.

Second-row is an area Rhinos are looking to strengthen following the departure of two senior players.

Morgan Gannon joined NRL outfit New Zealand Warriors when his contract expired at the end of the 2025 season and James Bentley was surprisingly released from the final two years of his deal last month, subsequently joining Warrington Wolves.

Leeds Rhinos have yet to announce any signings for 2026, though they are believed to have completed a deal for Canberra Raiders’ former Huddersfield Giants hooker Danny Levi.

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