After a disappointing 2023 campaign for Leeds Rhinos, their fans are probably enjoying the off season more than they enjoyed the actual campaign.
It arguably started in the worst possible way with a thumping defeating to Warrington Wolves conceding 42 points on night one of Super League.
After back to back defeats to start the season, the Rhinos hit back with back to back wins against Champions St Helens before nilling Wakefield Trinity in the snow.
But the problems they would face this season were shown in defeat to Castleford Tigers a week later.
This result typified Leeds’ season with amazing wins against eventual Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors undercut but three defeats against Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
But the Rhinos started the off season with a huge announcement. Some scoffed at the way it was presented by the club, but a multi-year sponsor with Leeds based company AMT who have an annual turnover of £60 million.
It was made clear that this money would be invested into the squad and that has been the case with big money spent on two major signings.
But before they announced those signings, they confirmed the signing of Paul Momirovski from Sydney Roosters with the former NRL winner a third major signing from the NRL alongside Lachie Miller and Matt Frawley.
But then Leeds fans saw the fruits of their labour with the announcement of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers in a huge double signing.
The money Leeds are willing to spend this year was underlined by the £300,000 fee paid for the pair of them with £200,000 for Croft and a further £100,000 for Ackers.
But their spending can also be seen in the reported value of Croft’s deal.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Croft’s deal is worth 2 million Australian dollars. This equates to around £1,040,000 and just shy of £350,000 per year on a three year deal.
The Rhinos have also made Croft one of their marquee players for next year and could even have a further marquee spot open due to the new marquee rules allowing an extra federation trained quota spot for 2024 and used well this could make Leeds more dangerous.
