{"id":687251,"date":"2026-01-10T18:14:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/687251\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T18:14:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:14:12","slug":"leeds-rhinos-forward-set-to-follow-harry-newman-to-nrl-in-2027-with-exit-confirmed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/687251\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds Rhinos forward set to follow Harry Newman to NRL in 2027 with exit confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Leeds\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos will lose a second star player to the NRL at the end of this season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Forward James McDonnell, a member of last year\u2019s Betfred Super League Dream Team, is set to join current teammate Harry Newman in the southern hemisphere competition from 2027.<\/p>\n

Newman has already signed a two-year deal with new Australian club Perth Bears, beginning when his Leeds contract expires this autumn.<\/p>\n

Rhinos<\/a> today (Saturday) confirmed McDonnell will\u00a0\u201cpursue an option to play in the NRL from next season\u201d.<\/p>\n

They have not commented on McDonnell\u2019s destination, but Serious About Rugby League understands he could link up with Newman at Perth, who are building a squad to enter the NRL next year under coach Mal Meninga.<\/p>\n

Newman and McDonnell will take the number of ex-Leeds players in the NRL to three, following in the footsteps of another second-rower, Morgan Gannon, who is this season beginning a three-year contract with New Zealand Warriors.<\/p>\n

McDonnell joined Leeds from Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2023 season and has become a mainstay of the team, scoring 15 tries in 80 appearances.<\/p>\n

He was ever-present last term and signed a new one-year contract midway through the season.<\/p>\n

As well as Dream Team selection, the 25-year-old\u2019s form earned him a place in England\u2019s Ashes training group, though he wasn\u2019t called into the Test squad.<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos man set for NRL switch<\/p>\n

Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said: \u201cWhen we agreed a contract extension with James back in April last year, we knew his ambitions as a player, just like when he left his hometown club at Wigan to gain regular rugby [on loan] at Leigh and then came across to Leeds to make a name for himself at the Rhinos.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have both agreed to make a decision as early as possible in the year so we can plan for 2027 and I am grateful James has been up front at the earliest opportunity.\u00a0 He had an outstanding season in 2025 and I am expecting even better in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhinos coach Brad Arthur admitted: \u201cIt is disappointing to lose James for 2027, but there is a long time to go between now and then.<\/p>\n

\u201cJames is a great example, particularly for our younger players, of where hard work and dedication can take you.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor those in the squad, they know there is a spot up for grabs next year and that should drive them on.<\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise, on Ian\u2019s recent visit to Australia there was a lot of interest from players about what we are building here at the Rhinos so I have every confidence we can continue to build a strong squad for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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