Two names familiar to Super League will make their NRL return this weekend after a period of months off, including one man who has signed to the competition for 2027 and another who could make a switch in 2026.
Morgan Gannon and Kai O’Donnell are among the most intriguing names in the latest NRL team lists with both men to return having not played first-grade since March and April, respectively.
For Gannon, it’s a welcome return to first-grade action in what has been a difficult year down under as the ex-Leeds Rhinos man was sidelined for lengthy periods due to his historic concussion issues.
Gannon missed an entire year whilst at Leeds, not playing at all in the 2024 season, and whilst his absence has been nothing like that, the second-rower has been playing New South Wales Cup sporadically this year.
After string three games together in second-grade, he’s now been called up to the first-team squad for the Warriors’ round 23 clash against Penrith. That’s a massive game that pits third versus first and as well as being a positive for Gannon, it’s a big boost for Leeds Rhinos as the forward will return to Headingley next year.
Gannon returning with a string of first-grade games and potentially even play-off games under his belt would be a massive boost for the Rhinos, who will lose James McDonnell at the end of the season.
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NRL recall a possible spanner in the works for Leigh?
The other very notable name in the NRL team lists this week is Kai O’Donnell, who makes his return to North Queensland Cowboys’ starting XIII for the first time since April.
O’Donnell, who is off-contract, last played in round seven and has since played six Queensland Cup games but his return to first-grade action coincides with reports that he could return to Leigh Leopards.
Per Love Rugby League, Leigh are trying to sign O’Donnell with immediate effect so that he can help them in the final few weeks of the season as they bid for silverware.
The club have just released Aaron Pene to free up an overseas quota spot and it’s reported that the Leopards are pushing hard for a deal, with Adrian Lam previously making no secret of his admiration for O’Donnell.
Speaking in early July, Lam said: “When we’ve lost all those players over the last two or three years, if we could bring one back, it’d probably be him but that opportunity won’t come about unless he’s interested in a move to Super League.
“No doubt some sort of conversations may happen in the next couple of weeks if that’s an opportunity for us. We certainly won’t miss talking to him.”
O’Donnell landing a return to first-grade could well put a spanner in the works for Leigh if the forward feels he has a shot at being an NRL starter in 2027.
PSA: Team lists are in for NRL Indigenous Round! https://t.co/13K6QF6ySU
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