Leeds Rhinos complete third signing as NRL man dubbed “ideal addition”

Leeds Rhinos have announced a third signing ahead of the 2026 season.

Samoan international hooker Danny Levi will train with his new club Leeds for the first time today (Monday) after joining them from NRL side Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract.

Levi played for Newcastle Knights, Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos in the southern hemisphere’s elite competition before spending the 2022 season with Huddersfield Giants.

He scored four tries during 30 appearances for Giants and was a member of their Challenge Cup final side who suffered a last-gasp defeat to Wigan Warriors at Tottenham.

Internationally, he was capped four times by New Zealand and switched allegiance to Samoa for the World Cup three years ago.

Levi, who turns 30 next month, spent three seasons with Canberra, but featured only twice in the NRL this year, when he was a regular for Raiders’ second-string side in the New South Wales Cup.

He effectively replaces Andy Ackers who was released from the final year of his Rhinos deal last month and has joined Betfred Super League newcomers Bradford Bulls.

Leeds Rhinos sign Danny Levi on two-year deal

Levi arrived in England at the weekend and links up with fellow recruits Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Matautia in Rhinos’ 2026 squad.

He said: “I’m excited to be here and keen to get stuck in. The club has an incredible history, a loyal fanbase and a vision for the future I’m excited to be part of.

“I’m looking forward to contributing however I can, working hard with the boys and embracing everything that comes with playing in Super League. This is a fresh chapter for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rhinos coach Brad Arthur hailed Levi as “a player with proven quality at the highest level”.

He predicted: “His speed around the ruck, defensive toughness and leadership will be a massive asset for us.

“We’ve been deliberate in building a squad with energy, ambition and depth and Danny fits that profile perfectly. We’re excited to see the impact he will make both on and off the field.”

Leeds’ sporting director Ian Blease added: “Danny has performed against top competition throughout his career.

“His experience with Samoa adds valuable perspective and his professionalism aligns with the culture we are fostering at Leeds.”

Levi will compete with Jarrod O’Connor for the hooking role next term. O’Connor began his career as a loose-forward before converting to number nine.

Blease said: “Jarrod O’Connor was a consistent performer for us at hooker last year; we have been looking to add a specialist hooker to our squad after Andy Ackers left us and Danny is an ideal addition to our group.”

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