Leeds Rhinos have new squad numbers and a new captain for 2026 and head coach Brad Arthur has explained some of those decisions.
Speaking in a video shared to the club’s YouTube channel as the Rhinos approached the end of their warm weather training camp in Tenerife, Leeds coach Arthur explained the importance of the camp and the recently announced squad numbers.
He explained how the camp has allowed players time to bond, numerous sessions in the warm weather, including one against Huddersfield Giants, as well as allowing him to speak with players, including about their shirt numbers.
Arthur spoke about the ‘one on one reviews’, and how it incorporated squad number discussions: “Talking about their jersey number, that’s a tough job and explaining that because we’ve given out 26 squad numbers and 13 of those guys would have liked a different number but they get it and they understand that they’re all valuable in the squad.”
As Arthur references, those with so-called starting shirts will understandably be happier and he went on to discuss some of those who had claimed key shirt numbers, whilst also explaining his captaincy call.
Why Ash Handley was made Leeds Rhinos captain
On captaincy and the decision to hand the armband outright to Ash Handley, who had been co-captain with Cameron Smith in 2025, Arthur said: “He got thrown into the deep end a bit last year to help Cameron and then Cam didn’t feature much on the field last year through injuries unfortunately and Ash had to do it on his own and done a really good job and I’ve seen him grow into a really good leader.
“I feel like where we’re heading with the club, it’s the right time to have just the one leader in Ash.”
Senior forward Kallum Watkins has also been appointed vice captain with Arthur explaining it to be somewhat of a no-brainer given the experience that the England international has.
He explained: “Kallum, he’s played at the highest level and we’ve seen what he did at the back end of his career and how good he was in the last two test matches, so why wouldn’t I tap into his leadership? Why wouldn’t I tap into the experience that he’s got?”
Another important thing that Arthur noted ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Wakefield was just how healthy the squad is, stating: “We’re pretty healthy, very healthy actually and that’s a credit to the staff.”
Arthur explains key squad number switches for 2026
As for some of those with key squad numbers, Jake Connor has understandably moved to the number seven shirt after a Man of Steel season that Arthur believes can be improved upon given Connor’s development.
“That jersey belongs to him now. It’s his to own,” he said, adding: “It’s a real confidence booster for him as well. You can just see how he’s grown.
“I know he had a great season last year but I feel like he’s going to be better again for us this year. He’s just grown into that role of taking full control of the team.”
Fellow spine star Jarrod O’Connor was another to move from outside the top 13 to inside, claiming the number nine after Andy Ackers’ exit, with Arthur praising his effort-driven playstyle.
He said: “Jared (O’Connor) is just a toiler, isn’t he? He just keeps fronting up every week with that physicality and effort.
“The time had come where he’s been working on his game, working on his game. He puts a lot of time into it. We just rewarded him with that jersey number. I know a lot of the guys, it’s quite precious to them and important. It’s a good reward for them.”
Tom Holroyd was another to claim a significant shirt, taking on the number ten as Keenan Palasia looks to move to loose forward, and Arthur hailed Holroyd’s efforts to reclaim a jersey that he previously owned before 2025.
Arthur revealed: “He was a bit disappointed last year when I didn’t give him that jersey but I didn’t really know a lot about him. He hadn’t played much.
“This year I’ve seen him grow with his performances on the field and then into this pre-season he’s been really one of the standout trainers both physically and with just his detail that he’s put into his game around trying to be more than just a strong ball carrier and a worker.
“He’s just trying to get a bit more finesse about his game and make his strong carry even stronger by having a bit of a pass around him as well.”
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