The 15 off-contract NRL half-backs Leeds Rhinos could sign as Brodie Croft’s replacement

Leeds Rhinos will lose Brodie Croft at the end of the season, and it begs the question as to who Leeds have in mind to replace him.

Croft, after a stellar start to the season that has seen him rack up 14 tries in 12 games, will join Warrington Wolves on a three-year deal, in a move that sees him play closer to home in order for a better work-life balance.

The former Man of Steel’s exit means that Leeds, who have only just found a settled spine, will have to replace the talisman, but given the options available, that could prove difficult.

Should the Rhinos not want to bring someone in, and instead look internally, then George Brown has been tipped for a huge future, and he could be the next Jack Farrimond or Ewan Irwin, in the sense that he is trusted in the halves at a young age, and going off the latter two, it is a decision that has proved fruitful.

However, if Leeds want to recruit, they could look to the NRL for their next number six, and there are a few options available. We have taken a look at every off-contract NRL half that could be of Leeds’ interest for 2027.

The 15 NRL half-backs off-contract that Leeds Rhinos could replace Brodie Croft with

At the time of writing, there are nine ‘stand-offs’ off-contract within the NRL and six ‘half-backs’. List is ranked in alphabetical order. Contract details taken from ZeroTackle.

Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles)

Starting with arguably one of the NRL’s best ever halves, ‘DCE’ is a former NRL Grand Final winner and has 21 appearances for Australia to his name. After having one season at Manly Sea Eagles, could the 37-year-old have one more season in him and make the move to Super League?

Jack Cole (Penrith Panthers)

After being in and around the dominant Penrith Panthers system for the past four years, Cole has never got the chance to be a starting half in the NRL. Similarly to Croft, Cole could come to the Rhinos for a season or two to reignite his career before making the switch back down under.

Tom Duffy (Brisbane Broncos)

Another young player looking to make his mark, Broncos playmaker Duffy has had cameo appearances this season, including in Sunday’s game against St George Illawarra. Adam Reynolds is at the back-end of his career, so Duffy could be better waiting at Brisbane until the Reynolds door opens.

Tyson Gamble (Newcastle Knights)

Perhaps a more realistic option than the first three, Gamble has made just seven NRL appearances in the past two seasons for the Knights. With Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith the first-choice halves, Gamble could be on the look-out for a career change, and Leeds would be the place for that.

Zac Herdegen (North Queensland Cowboys)

At 20, a Super League move is likely far too early in Herdegen’s career, whilst from a Leeds point of view, they may as well bring in one of their own in Brown if they are looking down the ‘youngster’ route.

Jamie Humphreys (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

The Souths man has been heavily linked with Perth Bears ahead of next season, with him expected to partner Toby Sexton at the new NRL side. Regardless, he is still a player off-contract that Leeds could look at.

Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)

Another player at the back-end of his career, Hunt can play in the halves and at hooker, and has an abundance of experience at the top level. Again, a move looks unlikely, but if Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Damien Cook can join Super League, why not Hunt?

Te Maire Martin (New Zealand Warriors)

After missing the first three months of the season with a broken leg, Martin has come back into the NRL on fire, and has scored three tries in two games. The New Zealand international would be a stellar signing for the Rhinos, but they will have to fend off the Warriors and likely some other NRL competition as well.

Kodi Nikorima (The Dolphins)

With George Williams all but confirmed to be joining The Dolphins, it leaves Nikorima in doubt over his future under Kristian Woolf. With brother Jayden currently starring at the Bulls, Kodi has been linked to a move to Super League in recent weeks, and Leeds could do a lot worse than signing him.

Niwhai Puru (Cronulla Sharks)

Making his NRL debut over the weekend, Puru has excelled in the NSW Cup over the past three seasons.

Josh Rogers (Brisbane Broncos)

At 29, Rogers has made just 10 NRL appearances, but has been a regular for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup. However, being Perth-born could mean that if he does move away, a return home with the Bears could be a more intriguing prospect.

Brad Schneider (The Dolphins)

The former Hull KR man is no stranger to Super League having featured for the Robins in 2023. Brought in to the club as back-up, you’d expect one of Nikorima or Schneider to stay at the club in order to cover for any potential injury to Williams or Isaiya Katoa.

Trent Toelau (Melbourne Storm)

The 26-year-old has made just 16 NRL appearances, with only four of those coming in the last two seasons. Able to play in both halves positions, Toelau could be a good pick-up for a Super League side, should he wish to make the move.

Ronald Volkman (Parramatta Eels)

Linked with a move to Super League in recent weeks, Volkman is a one-time Samoan international, and played with now Leeds star Keenan Palasia in that game.

Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Having only represented Souths in his career, making his debut in 2016, Walker is off-contract and could well hang up his boots at the season’s end, but one more season and a move to Super League isn’t out of the picture.