Reports: Leeds Rhinos set to lose TWO huge stars

Once upon a time Leeds Rhinos were routinely defeating the likes of Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, St Helens, Hull FC and Castleford Tigers in huge games on the road to tropy after trophy in what was called the Golden Generation.

At the core of this success stood three halfbacks in the shape of Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow the latter two of which won eight Grand Finals with the club which is more than any other player has achieved at one club and second only to nine time Champion and teammate Jamie Peacock who won six Grand Finals with Leeds after three with Bradford Bulls.

However, by the end of 2017 Leeds were without all three of them and it has been a difficult task to find the halfback pairing to guide them back to consistently challenging for the trophy.

Many expected Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer to be that after their Canberra Raiders days together. They have shown glimpses and Austin has been in red hot form lately but they have yet to pass the consistency test and seem like they never will.

Both are out of contract at the end of the year with massive questions looming over both players’ futures.

Sezer is expected to sign for Wests Tigers whilst Austin’s future is still undetermined.

However, according to Zero Tackle Leeds are “likely to lose” both players at the end of the year.

The Rhinos have been looking for replacements but have focused more on fullbacks with Richie Myler expected to move into the halves.

They were linked with a move for “X Factor” fullback Daine Laurie until a surprise move was made by Penrith Panthers for the fullback.

It has now been confirmed that Laurie will return to the Panthers ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign after three seasons with Wests Tigers.

A proud Indigenous man, Laurie joined the Panthers as a teenager in 2017 and played in the club’s SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams before making his NRL debut in 2020.

The 24-year-old has played 46 NRL games with 10 tries to his name, and has represented the Indigenous All Stars and Prime Minister’s XIII.

Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said he was pleased to see Laurie sign on with the club.

“I look forward to welcoming Daine back to Panthers for the 2024 season,” Cameron said.

“It’s always rewarding to see a former Panther return home to the club, and we believe Daine can flourish in the Panthers environment.”

So Leeds will have to pivot their focus elsewhere. This could force Leeds’ hand as they are linked with Newcastle Knights fullback Lachlan Miller according to Rugby League Live.

Could they therefore go all guns blazing for Miller.

It seems like a move that makes sense now that Laurie is out of the picture.

The club were also linked with Danny Levi but it now also appears that this is off the table with reports suggesting that he has re-signed with Canberra.