Australian-born centre Nicole Kennedy joins Rhinos Women on dual reg

Leeds Rhinos Women have signed Australian-born centre Nicole Kennedy on dual-registration from London Broncos.

The 25-year-old, will be eligible to play for the Rhinos during the 2026 season and she will combine her training  with the Rhinos and Broncos as well as full time career as a Paramedic in London.

Kennedy began playing Rugby League in Australia, before moving to the UK for work and joining London Broncos, where she has played for three seasons.   Last year she was in outstanding form for the Brocnos, finishing as their top try scorer and picking up the Player of the Year award.

She has also played for Netherlands four times and in 2025 scored a hattrick to he her secure a 34-0 win against Greece.  Kennedy played alongside her two sisters in the game who were eligible to play for the team through their Dutch mum.

Speaking about joining the Rhinos on dual-registration, Kennedy said: “I am really excited, the transition from the Broncos to the Rhinos has been quite smooth and I have been supported through the whole process. The girls have been welcoming and I am pleased to be here and training with the team.

“I have been back and forth with Lois for a few years about the opportunity to come here on dual registration and it worked out that this was the best year for me to be able to take that chance up.

“I am looking forward to testing myself in an intense environment with players who have played in Super League and to give myself the best chance to play in the competition at that next step up.

“I have played Rugby League since I was 16 back in Penrith.  I played representative sport back then and moved to London when I was 21 for work and joined the Broncos in 2022.  I loved it there, they are like my family, so I guess the move to come to Leeds was a big decision for me.”

Leeds Rhinos Women’s head coach Lois Forsell said: “Nicole is a player we have been following for some time, since our Talent ID Co-Ordinator Woz Broadley saw her play for the Netherlands.  We are pleased that we have finally been able to make this work for Nicole and to give her to have the opportunity to step into our environment and test herself in Super League.

“She’s skilful, athletic and will give us strength in depth.  We are working with Colin Baker at Broncos to make sure we look after Nicole’s best interests, and she can maximise the opportunities available to her.  I would like to thank the staff at Broncos, who have been really helpful and supportive during this process.”