Leeds Rhinos have held talks with former Australia and New South Wales star Dylan Walker, coach Brad Arthur has confirmed.
The 31-year-old Parramatta Eels veteran can play centre, in the halves or at loose-forward – all positions where Leeds are losing a player this autumn.
Walker has scored 73 tries in 267 appearances in the southern hemisphere NRL, for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta, where his contract expires at the end of this year.
He was capped four times for Australia in 2014 and twice with New South Wales two years later and has also represented New Zealand Maori.
Ever-present for Eels this season, Walker was linked to Leeds by Love Rugby League and when asked if it is a signing that could happen, Arthur confirmed: “Yes, it is.”
The Rhinos boss said: “We’ve had a few conversations with him. I don’t know exactly where it’s at at this moment in time, but he is close to deciding what his future looks like and I think we are a possibility there.”
Rhinos have announced one signing for 2027 and beyond with second-rower Morgan Gannon returning to the club after a season in the NRL with Auckland-based Warriors.
He will replace James McDonnell, who is heading to Perth Bears along with centre Harry Newman and prop Mikolaj Oledzki.
Stand-off Brodie Croft has signed for Warrington Wolves on a deal beginning next term and loose-forward Cameron Smith will join Wakefield Trinity.
Rhinos have pledged to give teenager George Brown an opportunity at six in 2027, but are also looking for a utility-player who can slot into that and other positions.
