Clubs lined up to sign out-of-contract Leeds Rhinos hooker

Corey Johnson’s contract with Leeds Rhinos is set to expire at the end of this season, and no extension has yet been agreed.

Therefore, the 23-year-old hooker is free to find another club for the 2025 season – a fact that Super League sides will certainly be aware of.

Here are three potential moves that Johnson could make.

Hull FC

With Danny Houghton expected to retire at the end of the season, and rumbles that Joe Cator could head back to Hull KR, the hooker role will certainly be one that the Black and Whites will look to address.

Reports suggest that they may have signed Papua New Guinean hooker Judah Rimbu, and they have confirmed the signing of Amir Bourouh from Salford Red Devils for next year.

However, if Rimbu doesn’t end up at the MKM Stadium next year, they’ll surely be on the search for Bourouh’s understudy, and Hull Live have been told that a backup hooker/half-back is something they’re looking for.

Johnson has played at half-back on occasion, and is more than capable of quality from dummy half – so this could be an option that allows Hull FC to use their quota spots elsewhere, such as finding a quality full-back.

Salford Red Devils

Hooker is a position that is certainly not sorted for next year after Bourouh’s afforementioned move to Hull FC.

Cade Cust, Joe Mellor and Joe Shorrocks have all been tried out in the role, but it’s not the natural position for any of them, meaning they’ll surely be hoping to find a backup hooker next year.

We also know the club don’t have a huge budget, and Johnson wouldn’t command a huge wage, as a player that has spent much of his time playing in the RFL Championship.

Featherstone Rovers

The club he made his professional debut for, Johnson mey be the sort of signing Featherstone look for to improve on their Championship position.

Harry Bowes has only managed to shake Connor Jones away from the starting role twice this year, and they may look to find someone that can offer more pressure on him.

Johnson would also not need to move away if this was his move – an important factor for many young rugby league players.

He was a starter for much of the 2023 season, and has been unfortunate to be replaced by Andy Ackers for Leeds Rhinos this year.

Therefore, he probably wouldn’t want to drop to the Championship – it could, however, be his best chance of getting plenty of game time in what is a crucial stage of his career.