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How Leeds Rhinos are shaping up ahead of 2027 as quota situation and best XVII assessed

With Leeds Rhinos announcing the signing of Parramatta Eels man Wiremu Greig earlier this week, it means that are now full to capacity on their overseas quota.

Clubs in Super League can have up to 10 ‘non-federation trained’ players in their squads. Essentially, that means any player who did not play three or more years of junior rugby league in Europe needs to go on the quota.

With Greig born in New Zealand and staying down under up to present, it means that he is now one of the 10 players within Brad Arthur’s side who count on the overseas cap.

The 26-year-old is the Rhinos’ fifth signing ahead of 2027, and joins the returning Morgan Gannon and Parramatta teammate Dylan Walker at the club. Catalans Dragons pair Edenn Rogers-Smith and Nick Cotric make up the final two additions.

The quintet have arrived in LS6 as part of a big overhaul of players. The Rhinos have lost a total of eight players this off-season, including the trio of Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki and James McDonnell who have all moved to Perth Bears.

Cameron Smith and Ned McCormack have both joined local rivals Wakefield Trinity, whilst Brodie Croft has landed at Warrington Wolves. Club legend Ryan Hall has retired, whilst towering forward Jeremiah Mata’utia has been released.

With all those changes in mind, here is what Leeds now look like in terms of both their overseas quota and what their best 17 could be should their squad remain both the same and fully fit come round one of 2027.

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Leeds Rhinos quota players heading into 2027

Leeds Rhinos quota players

Contracted until 2027: Danny Levi, Jack bird, Maika Sivo, Wiremu Greig* – Greig has the option for another year in the club’s favour

Contracted until 2028: Cooper Jenkins, Edenn Rogers-Smith, Lachlan Miller

Contracted until 2029: Keenan Palasia, Dylan Walker

Contracted until 2030: Nick Cotric

Leeds Rhinos best XVII after squad overhaul

Whilst most positions will remain the same as 2026, some will have a change of personnel. Maika Sivo needs a new winger to partner him on the opposite flank, and with Ryan Hall suggesting in his retirement speech that he is handing his spot over to youth, that suggests Riley Lumb will be getting the nod.

Jack Bird is rumoured to be heading away from Leeds, and that could open up a quota spot. Nick Cotric has agreed a long-term deal, so expect him to partner Ash Handley in the centres.

George Brown will be given every chance to be the Rhinos’ new starting six alongside Jake Connor. Should anything go wrong, NRL veteran Dylan Brown is there as a more than capable back-up.

Keenan Palasia remains Leeds’ best prop, but he needs someone to step up alongside him and play big minutes. Tom Holroyd is the current number 10, and that isn’t expected to change.

Jarrod O’Connor and Danny Levi will continue to share the hooker role, whilst Morgan Gannon is expected to take James McDonnell’s role in the starting back row alongside Kallum Watkins.

Walker is expected to take the 13 jersey, as he reunites with former boss Arthur on a three-year contract.

Leeds Rhinos 2027 starting XIII: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Nick Cotric, Ash Handley, Riley Lumb, George Brown, Jake Connor, Keenan Palasia, Jarrod O’Connor, Tom Holroyd, Kallum Watkins, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker

Bench: Danny Levi, Wiremu Greig, Cooper Jenkins, Chris Hankinson

Rest of contracted roster (listed alphabetically): Jack Bird, Oscar Brown, Presley Cassell, Joe Diskin, Alfie Edgell, Jacob Hardy, Ben Littlewood, Zak Lloyd, Fergus McCormack, Tom Nicholson-Watton, Edenn Rogers-Smith, Max Simpson, Oliver Smart

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