Fresh off the back of winning the reserves Grand Final, a young Leeds Rhinos starlet has signed with a new club for 2026.
Leeds Rhinos defeated Warrington Wolves 8-0 in the reserves Grand Final at Headingley this past weekend with Chev Walker’s side dominating but coming up against a very tough defensive Wire side.
The only points of the game came in a short first-half spell as George Brown broke free to score with Jack Smith kicking the conversion and a penalty with the Leeds spine shining.
One of those spine players was Shane Tuohey with the utility coming off the bench to help his side over the line and the 20-year-old is now on the move to the men’s game, with Goole Vikings announcing his signing for the 2026 season.
The Vikings debuted in League One last year but as the rugby league ladder is recalibrated for 2026, it means they will be part of a larger second-tier.
Goole Vikings sign Leeds Rhinos reserves starlet
Tuohey isn’t the first Leeds Rhinos youth player who Goole have signed with the Vikings having recruited Joe Phillips ahead of their 2025 campaign. The ex-Leeds man had an impressive campaign that has seen him earn a move to Hull FC for 2026, though that is yet to be announced.
Tuohey will hope he can follow a similar trajectory, earning game time with Goole in a bid to impress and forge his way to Super League.
The 20-year-old is captable of playing anywhere in the spine but did feature as the utility from the bench in that reserves Grand Final, so Scott Taylor will have a number of options with Tuohey.
Announcing his signing, Goole stated: “The Vikings have bolstered their 2026 squad with the capture of Leeds Rhinos’ exciting prospect Shane Tuohey, fresh from starring in the Rhinos’ Reserves Grand Final victory at Headingley on Saturday.”
Labelling him as a ‘dynamic runner’ who brings ‘valuable versatility’, Tuohey is an exciting signing for Goole who will look to kick on in their second season in the professional ranks,
Speaking on his move, the former Stanningley junior said: I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do originally, but when I heard about the interest from Goole, spoke to the club about their ambitions and met with Scott – I was sold on it instantly.
“I love the direction the club wants to go in, and to see the plans they have for the club and for me as a player. Even though the season has just ended, I really can’t wait to get started again!
“The club has ambitions to finish in the top half of the new Championship, which will be a huge challenge, but it’s one we’re going to have a real shot at. After such an impressive first year, that would be a massive achievement – I genuinely can’t wait to get started.”
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