Leeds Rhinos are set to lose one of their most highly-rated young players when his contract expires at the end of this season.
New Zealand Warriors have won the battle to sign second-rower Morgan Gannon, who has turned down a lucrative offer from Rhinos.
The 21-year-old missed the whole of last season through concussion, but is ever-present for Leeds this year.
Rhinos had been hopeful Gannon would delay his move to the NRL and agree a new deal with them, but his impending exit could be announced within the next few days.
Gannon came through Rhinos’ youth system and made his debut as a teenager in 2021.
Today’s home game against Huddersfield Giants was his 59th Leeds appearance. The move to Auckland will reunite him with former Richard Agar, who was coach when he played his first game for Rhinos. At the time, Agar described Gannon as a “generational talent”.
Off-contract Leeds Rhinos man set for exit
Recently, Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has been asked about Gannon’s future as previous reports had suggested that he would make the switch to New Zealand Warriors.
Asked about that, Arthur said: “Bleasy [sporting director] Ian Blease is in the process of working with his management on extending his deal.
“What I do know is Morgan loves the club here and appreciates what the club has done for him. All the indications are that he wants to continue to play here.
“At some stage, he might have the aspiration and desire to play in the NRL, but I think that might be further down the track.
“It’s his choice and his business, but I’m pretty comfortable I know where he’s at. I would expect him to be playing for Leeds next year, but until it’s sorted, the decision has yet to be made.”
