Leeds Rhinos have become the latest side to release their squad numbers for 2026, and with that, we have dissected the biggest talking points from the announcement.
Man of Steel Jake Connor will take the iconic number seven shirt vacated by the retiring Matt Frawley. The Rhinos star recently signed a long-term contract extension to see him stay at the club until 2029.
New signings Ethan O’Neill, Jeremiah Mata’utia and Danny Levi take 16, 19 and 23 respectively, whist there has been a huge increase for Chris Hankinson, who takes the 14 jersey, with Jarrod O’Connor moving to nine.
The club also confirmed in the reveal that Ash Handley would be the side’s captain, with Kallum Watkins being appointed vice captain.
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
Leeds Rhinos shirt numbers talking points
Smith with work to do?
The 13 jersey is synonymous with success at Leeds, with Kevin Sinfield being the player that made the number so infamous. Cameron Smith has had the number since 2023, but will now wear 17, with Keenan Palasia moving into his place.
Smith had a disappointing 2025, with injury limiting him to only 12 matches. Watkins’ return, meant there was another first-choice loose forward at the club, and it looks as though the 27-year-old, who has also lost the captaincy, will have to re-gain his place in the side next year.
Versatile Hankinson
The former Salford man getting the 14 jersey was arguably the biggest surprise, with many expected him to be on the fringes rather than being in the 17. He will line-up in the halves in Leeds’ Boxing Day clash against Wakefield Trinity, something he has only done five times in his senior career.
Able to play anywhere across the back line, it looks like Hankinson will be used wherever he is needed in the upcoming season.
Ten for Tom
Palasia’s move to 13 means the number 10 jersey became free, and it has been given to prop Tom Holroyd, the 24-year-old homegrown talent. He initially held that jersey in 2024, but reverted to 19 this season.
Another number that is such a prestigious one in blue and amber, Holroyd will be hoping for an injury-free campaign, and with a World Cup at the end of the year, will have extra motivation to perform.
O’Connor preferred?
Andy Ackers’ departure to Bradford meant a spot as first-choice hooker opened up. O’Connor has seemingly been given that mantle, after being given the nine jersey, with new signing Levi given 23.
Whilst the pair will battle for the starting spot throughout the year, and Levi will get opportunities, the former Widnes man has done enough to warrant a starting number, after adapting to the position and performing well over the past few years.
🔢 The numbers are in…
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has confirmed the 2026 squad numbers and new leadership.
➡️ https://t.co/1LoxLvP84q pic.twitter.com/rhWqFk80XW— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 19, 2025
