Alex Mellor could leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season with at least two rival clubs keeping an eye on developments surrounding the back-rower. Mellor is off-contract at the end of the year and will be free to speak to rival clubs from May 1st.
The 27-year-old joined the Rhinos from Huddersfield Giants ahead of the 2020 season and has made 31 appearances for the club since the move. However, the arrival of James Bentley and emergence of Morgan Gannon has resulted in fierce competition in the back-row and with the Rhinos close to maxing out their salary cap, Mellor could be one player allowed to move on in order to make space for new recruits.
If that proves to be the case, Mellor will not be short of suitors. Rugby League Live understands both Hull FC and Castleford Tigers are monitoring Mellor's situation with at least one other club thought to be considering their options. With the recruitment season just beginning to kick into gear, there are several contributing factors that will determine Mellor's future. Hull FC, for example, have Manu Ma'u as their left-edge back-rower but is off-contract at the end of the year. His future is likely to determine whether the Black and Whites step up their pursuit.
Read more: Jack Broadbent's Leeds Rhinos future threatens to come to a premature end as contract talks stall
However, Hull FC captain and former Rhino Luke Gale has previously spoken highly about Mellor after the pair played together for two years and a move would see the par reunite next year. Meanwhile, Castleford's left-edge back-rower, Kenny Edwards, is only on a season-long loan. Their interest is again likely to be determined by his future.
Mellor is one of numerous Leeds Rhinos players off-contract at the end of the season. Jack Broadbent, Bodene Thompson, Brad Dwyer and Rhyse Martin are among those in the final year of their existing deals.
