“Nothing to do with money”- Morgan Gannon’s first words as New Zealand Warriors announce signing of Leeds Rhinos man

New Zealand Warriors have confirmed the signing of Leeds Rhinos forward Morgan Gannon from the 2026 season with the NRL club announcing the three-year deal for the 21-year-old.

Gannon’s future has been spoken about plenty in recent weeks and Leeds finally confirmed earlier this week that the forward would be leaving for the NRL, though no team was named.

It was widely understood that the Warriors had signed the 21-year-old and that has now been confirmed with the Auckland-based side announcing Gannon’s arrival.

Leeds had offered the forward a “substantial offer” and expressed their disappointment at his exit, however, the second-rower remained in the team for Friday night’s loss against Hull KR.

He will see out the remainder of the season at Headingley before heading Down Under in a path that plenty of young English forwards have taken in recent years with Kai Pearce-Paul, Matty Nicholson and Morgan Smithies some of the latest examples.

New Zealand Warriors confirm signing of Leeds Rhinos’ Morgan Gannon

New Zealand Warriors confirmed Gannon’s arrival via a club statement, announcing: “Leeds Rhinos back rower Morgan Gannon has agreed terms on a three-year deal with the One New Zealand Warriors to the end of the 2028 season.”

The club’s general manager of recruitment, pathways and development, Andrew McFadden, had high praise for Gannon and for the talent coming out of Super League.

“Morgan is a quality young forward and we’re excited to add him to our roster for 2026 and beyond,” said McFadden.

“Players out of the Super League are having a growing influence in the NRL and we see Morgan adding to that with us.He’s keen to challenge himself in the NRL and we want to give him that opportunity.”

Speaking on the move himself, Gannon labelled it as a “great opportunity and one I had to take”, adding: “I have spent time in Australia with my dad’s family and I know how big the game is over there.

“I would like to thank the Rhinos for everything they have done to support me and the offer they made to me but this move is nothing to do with money, it is something I want to challenge myself with.”