Super League club to rival Leeds Rhinos in pursuit of major signing

In recent times Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have made moves in the transfer market.

Perhaps the most shocking though was the move of former Huddersfield Giants and Leeds star Kruise Leeming to Wigan.

Less than a year ago, Leeming was leading Leeds out at a Grand Final as skipper of the famous old club.

However, a move towards less play time with Jarrod O’Connor preferred by Rohan Smith saw the hooker push for an exit and he joined Gold Coast Titans till the end of the year.

A return to Super League in 2024 always looked likely with Catalans Dragons heavily pursuing the hooker however Wigan swooped in and signed the number nine.

Leeds meanwhile have been rolling with O’Connor and Corey Johnson at nine but have now targeted another former Huddersfield hooker in Danny Levi.

These reports emerged this week from Leeds Live and Canberra Times have confirmed the interest from Leeds.

They have also revealed Hull FC are set rival Leeds’ interest in the player.

Hull FC are set to lose Brad Dwyer to the Warrington Wolves at the end of the year. Dwyer of course arrived at the MKM Stadium from Leeds after he was left out of the Grand Final squad last year with O’Connor and Leeming named instead of the livewire.

He is set to replace Daryl Clark who is expected to sign for St Helens to replace the retiring James Roby in 2024.

So, it seems Leeds and Hull FC are set to battle for Levi’s signature for the 2024 season.

“We’re not saying we’re going, but we’re not also saying we’re staying,” his agent Mario Tartak said. “He’s a wanted man overseas.

“He’s been to the Super League before and was very successful in a short time there and there’s a lot of clubs there that need a hooker.

“He is enjoying his time in Canberra although we’re just weighing up options.”

Naturally these rumours were brought up this week in Leeds boss Rohan Smith’s press conference ahead of their defeat to Hull KR.

When asked about this, Smith said: “I’m not going to buy into any of the speculation. When or if there’s a signing, we’ll be excited to announce.”

Levi was an excellent number nine for Huddersfield and was supposed to be at the club in 2023 but left to join Canberra Raiders after representing Samoa in the World Cup.