Rhinos sign State of Origin player Mel Howard

Leeds Rhinos Women have signed former State of Origin player Melanie Howard, 31, ahead of the 2025 Betfred Women’s Super League season.

The Australian-born half-back has played for St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters in WNRL.  She played in the 2020 NRLW Grand Final for Sydney against Brisbane and earned a call up to represent New South Wales in that year’s State of Origin game.  She has also played for the Australian Rugby League Prime Ministers 13.  Last year she played for the Knights in the Harvey Normans Women's Premiership.

Howard has also enjoyed a successful Sevens Rugby Union career, winning the NSW 7 National Championship.

Speaking about her move to the Rhinos, Howard said: “It's really good to finally be here. It’s my first time in the UK but I am excited to be part of a new team and compete in Super League.  I reached out to the club after watching some of the competition last year from home.  I got Leon Crick’s number off Georgia Roach, who used to play here and I spoke to him and learned more about the team and we went from there.  

For me personally, I've always wanted to do something like this and play a sport in a different country. I'm a bit of a homebody, so moving away from friends and
family is a big thing for me, but I love footy and this is a challenge I am looking forward to and hopefully will grow and develop as a player.

“I'm probably an out and out halfback. A seven and a bit of a boss on the field and. I guess it's my role to tell everyone what to do and to be a good talker. I’m probably a bit smaller than everyone else, but I try and put my best foot forward in defence and pride myself on being an effort player and a team player and always just want to do my best for the team.”

Leon Crick, Interim Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos Women said:  “We are delighted to sign Mel and we are all looking forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to the team.  I would say within the last 12 to 24 months,  we have lost a lot of experience in our squad.  We have a brilliant crop of young players coming through, but they'd benefit from having some more experience and guidance in some key positions and Mel will bring that.  She has lots of experience playing in
Australia at the top level and rep rugby.  We’ve watched videos of her play and we think she will be an outstanding addition to our team.”