Reported Leeds Rhinos target suffers another brutal injury

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons have all made signings for next year already.

The Dragons have signed Hull FC star Chris Sate for 2024 whilst Warrington have turned to the NRL signing Lachlan Fitzgibbon for 2024 from Newcastle Knights beating Leeds and four other clubs to his signature.

Hull KR also made moves down under signing Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku for the 2024 season as they put together a new look backline.

Wigan meanwhile have been very impressive with recruitment too signing Sam Walters, Tiaki Chan and former Huddersfield Giants star and Leeds skipper Kruise Leeming.

Thus, the Rhinos could be in the market for a new number nine.

Leeds have been rolling with Jarrod O’Connor and Corey Johnson at nine but have now targeted another former Huddersfield hooker in Danny Levi.

These reports emerged this week from Leeds Live and Canberra Times have confirmed the interest from Leeds.

They have also revealed Hull FC are set rival Leeds’ interest in the player.

Hull FC are set to lose Brad Dwyer to the Warrington Wolves at the end of the year. Dwyer of course arrived at the MKM Stadium from Leeds after he was left out of the Grand Final squad last year with O’Connor and Leeming named instead of the livewire.

He is set to replace Daryl Clark who is expected to sign for St Helens to replace the retiring James Roby in 2024.

So, it seems Leeds and Hull FC are set to battle for Levi’s signature for the 2024 season.

“We’re not saying we’re going, but we’re not also saying we’re staying,” his agent Mario Tartak told The Canberra Times.

“He’s a wanted man overseas.

“He’s been to the Super League before and was very successful in a short time there and there’s a lot of clubs there that need a hooker.

“He is enjoying his time in Canberra although we’re just weighing up options.”

Naturally these rumours were brought up this week in Leeds boss Rohan Smith’s press conference ahead of their defeat to Hull KR.

When asked about this, Smith said:

“I’m not going to buy into any of the speculation. When or if there’s a signing, we’ll be excited to announce.”

Levi was an excellent number nine for Huddersfield and was supposed to be at the club in 2023 but left to join Canberra Raiders after representing Samoa in the World Cup.

Sadly, Levi’s season could now be over with the Canberra Raiders confirming he has suffered another broken jaw.

They said:

“Danny Levi has suffered a fractured jaw playing in the NSW Cup match yesterday afternoon against Blacktown. The fracture is in a different place than earlier this season. He will have a follow-up appointment to see if he requires surgery, but it is likely he will miss the remainder of the regular season.”