Leeds Rhinos will lose another star to the NRL at the end of 2026.
09:01, 10 Jan 2026Updated 09:08, 10 Jan 2026
James McDonnell will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the 2026 Super League season.(Image: )
James McDonnell will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the 2026 season to pursue a new NRL opportunity, the Super League club has confirmed.
The 25-year-old enters the final year of his contract, having joined from Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2023 campaign.
He was an ever-present under head coach Brad Arthur in 2025, named in the Super League Dream Team as Leeds secured a home play-off tie for the first time in eight years.
McDonnell becomes the second player confirmed to be leaving Headingley Stadium at the end of 2026 for the NRL, with England centre Harry Newman set to join Perth Bears.
Commenting on the announcement, Leeds’ sporting director Ian Blease said: “When we agreed a contract extension with James back in April last year, we knew James’ ambitions as a player, just like when he left his hometown club at Wigan to gain regular rugby at Leigh and then came across to Leeds to make a name for himself at the Rhinos. He has tremendous self belief and drive, which as a club, we have benefitted from in recent years.
“I know he will give his all this season before moving on. We have both agreed to make a decision as early as possible in the year so we can plan for 2027 and I am grateful that James has been up front at the earliest opportunity.
“He had an outstanding season in 2025 and I am expecting even better in 2026.”
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur added: “It is disappointing to lose James for 2027 but there is a long time to go between now and then.
“James is a great example, particularly for our younger players, of where hard work and dedication can take you.
“For those in the squad, they know there is a spot up for grabs next year and that should drive them on and likewise on Ian’s recent visit to Australia, there was a lot of interest from players about what we are building here in the Rhinos so I have ever confidence we can continue to build a strong squad for the future.”
Leeds also lost Morgan Gannon at the end of the 2025 season, with the back-rower linking up with New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal after turning down a “substantial” offer to stay in England.
The Rhinos meanwhile have confirmed that Keenan Palasia, 28, has agreed a new three-year contract extension with the club, securing his future until at least the end of the 2029 Super League season.