Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith is expected to bring in one or two forwards before the start of the 2024 season.
The Rhinos have accepted losing rising star Sam Walters, who looks to be joining Wigan Warriors. While the club intend to replace Liam Tindall internally, Smith confirmed their search to replace Walters will lead them to the open market. With that said, here are some options Leeds could look at on both sides of the pond.
Jai Whitbread
Without disrespecting Wakefield Trinity too much, Whitbread is a fish who could swim in a bigger pond. With his team expected to drop down into the Championship in 2024, there's no way a player of his calibre can be playing in the second tier.
Read More: Wests Tigers youngsters offered to Super League with NRL club set for revamp
Because of his location, age and levels, almost every Super League team will want him in their pack next season. However, with him settling in the area, Leeds are a step up and a perfect team for him to join. He would inject some grunt into Smith's middle unit, but he also had a great engine and passing game to boot. A proper modern forward who won't be short of suitors.
Ava Seumanufagai
Being an Ex-Rhino, Seumanufagai knows all about the area and club. Currently playing for Leigh Leopards, he probably will be eying up a return to the NRL, but this certainly could be one to explore. The Challenge Cup winner is 31 but would bring plenty of experience into a relatively young forward pack. He wouldn't cost as much as most overseas players due to him currently playing in Super League, so we can't rule out seeing him back at Headingley in 2024.
Sam Eseh
Like his Trinity teammate Whitbread, if Wakefield go down, Eseh is going to be one of the hottest prospects who will technically be a "free agent". He is still very raw, but Smith loves a project, and Eseh has shown a few times this season he can mix in in the top flight. If he signed, his first year would probably be more of a teething process as a squad player. He is doing the hard yards as a prop in a struggling team in 2023, which will only benefit him in the long run. A few clubs have shown some interest in the past, so Leeds may have a battle on their hands.
Morgan Boyle
A hard-running prop who would add depth and experience, the Manly enforcer has had limited game time over the past few seasons through injury. He may be a risky signing, but he is only 26, and his prime years are just around the corner.
Poasa Faumausili
Currently contracted to The Dolphins in the NRL, the 27-year-old has played just three times for Wayne Bennett in 2023 and will definitely pursue a move to Super League if a contract is offered. With a 93% tackle efficiency, he looks to be a clean player who gets through plenty of work.
He has also played for Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors and St George.
Luke Thompson
Although the England forward is expected to stay in NRL as he and his partner are settled down under, his recent injury means he's unlikely to get anything like the $800k contract he's got now at the Bulldogs. It might take a monster offer, but Leeds do have plenty of cap space. Can Smith afford to have a prop forward as his biggest earner? You'd probably think no. However, Thompson is not only a fantastic middle, he also wouldn't class on the quota, so it's a win-win for Leeds, who would be able to explore more NRL options if they pursued Thompson.
Read next
