What Leeds Rhinos still need ahead of 2025

Leeds Rhinos have had a tough season, but could be in with a shout of making the playoffs.

Head coach Rohan Smith was sacked after an embarrassing defeat to Hull FC, but Brad Arthur’s Rhinos have shown some signs of improvement.

They’re now just two points behind St Helens and Catalans Dragons, who hold the final two playoff spots, and with four games to go, it’s all to play for.

Two of those games for Leeds are against the bottom two – London Broncos and Hull FC – but two are against the top two – Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.

The season started with promise, with winger Ash Handley showing off some fantastic solo efforts – and he’ll have Ryan Hall with him on the wings next year, returning to the club after signing from Hull KR.

However, they now clearly need a rebuild in certain areas of the park.

What Leeds Rhinos still need ahead of 2025

One early decision – seemingly from Brad Arthur, when he first visited Headingley, although Chev Walker was still officially in charge-  was to drop Matt Frawley for a game in favour of Jack Sinfield, but he was restored to the lineup again and hasn’t had a lot of genuine competition for his position alongside Brodie Croft.

Another half could be a smart decision for the Rhinos.

The Rhinos have tried seven different players as starting props this year, with Mikolaj Oledzki and Justin Sangaré most often getting the nod.

However, they’ve struggled with injuries – and the fact that their pack just isn’t very strong.

Sam Eseh, prought in on loan from Wigan Warriors, impressed during his short time before being recalled, showing that Leeds are more than capable of improving the position through recruitment.

However, this problem isn’t only with the front row – the second row is losing a huge name in Rhyse Martin next year, and his partnership with James McDonnell is now broken up.

Neither of Mickaël Goudemand and James Bentley seem to be good enough to be starters in a playoff-quality side, so you’d imagine the Rhinos will be looking for further reinforcement here as well.