O’Neill bolsters Rhinos pack for 2026

Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of talented forward Ethan O’Neill from Leigh Leopards on a three-year contract, keeping him at AMT Headingley until at least the end of the 2028 Betfred Super League season.

O’Neill, 26, joins the Rhinos after impressing in the Leigh pack last season, helping the Leopards to the Betfred Super League semi finals.

Son of two-time NRL Premiership winner with Brisbane Julian O'Neill, Ethan first made his breakthrough as part of Sydney Roosters' junior programme. 

The second rower left Sydney to develop with Tweed Seagulls and Central Queensland Capras before earning a move to South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2023, winning a Reserve Grade Grand Final and National Championship.  He returned to Queensland with Burleigh Bears, training with Brisbane Broncos in pre-season before moving to England with Leigh last season aged 25, making 22 appearances and scoring seven tries. 

Sporting Director Ian Blease said he was pleased to secure O’Neill’s signature, highlighting his potential and hunger to grow as part of the Leeds squad. “Ethan showed his potential last year at Leigh and he will be a good addition to our current squad. We have looked to strengthen our forward pack for this season. When we knew Morgan Gannon would be leaving to the NRL, we moved quickly to bring Kallum Watkins in for 2026 and now we have been able to replace James Bentley with Ethan. 

“He’s got all the attributes we’re looking for in a modern forward — power, mobility, and a great attitude towards his development. He’s already shown he can perform at Super League level,” added Blease

Head Coach Brad Arthur also welcomed O’Neill to the club, praising his approach and determination. “I’m really pleased to bring Ethan on board. He will start pre-season with us this week with the rest of the boys and I am sure he will settle in well in our group.”

O’Neill added, “I've been grinning from ear to ear since I found out I was coming to the Rhinos. I can’t wait to be ripping in and meeting all the coaching staff and the boys. I am coming into an awesome side who performed really well last season and were unlucky in the play offs. I feel like we can take a few steps further forward and hopefully win some silverware this coming season. 

“I really enjoyed my experience with Leigh Leopards and I am grateful to them for giving me the chance to play in Super League. I feel like I want to back myself more and have bit more of a voice and be more vocal on the back of that.

“I can’t wait to work with Brad Arthur.  He's a really good coach with NRL calibre, and I feel I'm going to learn a lot from him and the rest of the coaching staff. I’m glad to be here for the start of pre-season so I can start gelling with the group,” added O’Neill.