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Rhinos reveal 2026 squad numbers and new leadership

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has confirmed the 2026 squad numbers with Ash Handley set to captain the side with Kallum Watkins as vice captain.

Arthur confirmed the changes following the completion of the teams week long training camp in Tenerife and ahead of the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity at AMT Headingley on Boxing Day, kick off 11.30am.

Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel winner Jake Connor has been rewarded with the number seven shirt after an outstanding debut season at the club in 2025. Tom Holroyd’s progress in the squad is marked by his return to the number 10 shirt he last wore in 2024.

Keenan Palasia moves to 13 with Kallum Watkins awarded the number 11 shirt vacated by the departure of James Bentley in the close season.

Jarrod O’Connor is rewarded for his strong season last year with the number 9 shirt whilst fellow hooker and new signing Danny Levi has opted for the number 23 shirt. Cameron Smith will wear 17 in 2026 with all of the 26 man squad having already made their Super League debuts.

There are an additional eleven players who are transitioning into the first team squad during the pre-season, who will be awarded a squad number should they make their first team debut in 2026.

Commenting on the captaincy and the squad, Arthur said, “I am delighted to make Ash our sole captain this season, I think that is right for where this squad is at present and gives us clear direction. Ash did a great job last year and importantly he is typically on the field for the full eighty minutes, which is important with the added input of the captain in the modern game. He has matured into a natural leader. The positive thing with this group now is that we have leaders across the team and have one sole voice as captain will be important to channel us in the right direction.

“Kallum is an impressive individual who speaks through his actions on the field. He is experienced, both for club and country, and has previously captained at Leeds and Salford, so he will be a great support for Ash.

“The squad numbers are part of the game here in Super League and I know they mean different things to different players. I have had a one on one review with each player individually whilst we have been away and we have got total commitment to where we all want to go this season, regardless of the number on back of the shirt.

“We have built a strong squad and there is also a chance for our young players to see a way that they can progress into that group too,” added Arthur.

Ash Handley added, “It is always an honour and privilege to lead this great club. I have been here my entire career and that feeling of leading the team out, especially at AMT Headingley, is something that I will always treasure. We have senior, experienced players in our group now and it feels like we are building towards something very special. Whenever I speak to our fans, I know they share our excitement for the future and I am looking forward to a big season in 2026 for the Rhinos."

The squad list in full is:

1. Lachie Miller
2. Maika Sivo
3. Harry Newman
4. Ash Handley (C)
5. Ryan Hall
6. Brodie Croft
7. Jake Connor
8. Mikolaj Oledzki
9. Jarrod O’Connor
10. Tom Holroyd
11. Kallum Watkins (VC)
12. James McDonnell
13. Keenan Palasia
14. Chris Hankinson
15. Cooper Jenkins
16. Ethan O’Neill
17. Cameron Smith
18. Max Simpson
19. Jeremiah Mata’utia
20. Presley Cassell
21. Alfie Edgell
22. Riley Lumb
23. Danny Levi
24. Ned McCormack
25. Ben Littlewood
26. Tom Nicholson-Watton