Three ways Leeds Rhinos could use free quota spot following Matt Prior’s retirement

This morning Leeds Rhinos confirmed that Matt Prior has taken the decision to retire with immediate effect.

The prop has spent three years at Headingley but at 35 years of age has taken the decision to retire making the Super League Grand Final his final ever appearance as he cuts short the two-year deal he signed in 2021.

Prior’s departure does leave open a quota spot for the Rhinos to use going into 2023 which they will likely use on a centre after the loss of Zak Hardaker and Liam Sutcliffe. They already have a ready made replacement for Prior in Sam Lisone who the Rhinos signed from Gold Coast Titans.

So, here’s three signings Leeds Rhinos could make following Prior’s retirement:

Brayden Wiliame
Perhaps the most likely signing is former Catalans Dragons and NRL centre Brayden Wiliame. Serious About Rugby League understands that the centre is returning to Super League in 2023 but the destination has yet to be confirmed. However, there were rumours that he was headed to Headingley and those seem even more likely now.

Nene MacDonald
Leigh Leopards currently have one too many overseas players at the club and although owner Derek Beaumont believes this won’t be a problem, there is still a question mark over this situation at the Leigh Sports Village. Some still expect one player to leave and high profile rugby league agent Craig Harrison is tipping MacDonald to leave and join the Rhinos.

Samisoni Langi
There aren’t many centres available in Super League at the moment but Catalans Dragons 2021 Grand Finalist Samisoni Langi who fits the recent trend of powerful centres is looking for a new club after being allowed to leave by the Catalans Dragons and he could very well be an option Leeds are considering.