Leeds Rhinos signing ‘super excited’ to hit ground running as hard-hitting teen makes Super League switch

Leeds Rhinos Women have confirmed their latest addition to their 2025 squad after making a move to sign York Valkyrie youngster, Jess Sharp.

The 19-year-old prop was part of the York squad that has won the last two Grand Final’s, with the youngster appearing off the bench in the 2024 victory over St Helens.

Sharp, who has already made 30 senior appearances, was part of the England DiSE programme that paved the way for the likes of Keara Bennett, Isabel Rowe and Eboni Partington to go on to receive full international honours.

Speaking to SARL after signing for the club, Sharp said how much she was looking forward to the new challenge.

“It’s amazing to be joining the Rhinos, and I’m super excited to get involved with the club” said Sharp. “I know some of the players already, so it will be good to join up with them.”

“As a player, I love a good big collision. I love running the ball in, my favourite part of rugby league is a back line carry. I love catching it and just running, running, running. It’s probably my favourite thing. I love defending as well, and I love absolutely getting a buzz off of everybody and the vibes. It’s just great.”

What Lois Forsell said of Leeds Rhinos’ new signing

Rhinos head coach Lois Forsell welcomed Sharp to the squad and said how much of an influence she can have.

“Jess is a great player who I’ve worked with at England Knights, as well as seeing her play for Valkyrie. She’s a young middle with a lot of potential and we’re just looking forward to working with her and hoping that she enjoys our environment and being with the of girls we’ve got at the club and working with the staff that we’ve got. She’s excited to get going and I’m looking forward to working with her more. 

Forsell added: “I think she will fit in well and we are excited to see where exactly she falls into place in our setup. We will see how she goes in the next couple of weeks.  It’s good to have strength in depth, it creates challenge amongst the group, and that’s what we want this season.”

Sharp could be in line to make her debut as early as this Sunday, when the Rhinos face Warrington Wolves Women at AMT Headingley.

✍️ 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨!

Leeds Rhinos Women have announced the signing of Jess Sharp, from @YorkValkyrie.

👉 https://t.co/Q8Mw3iYfzJ pic.twitter.com/44sYpUG9Lx

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 11, 2025