Leeds Rhinos hooker Jarrod O’Connor signs new two-year contract
The top tackler is to stay at Headingley until end of the 2028 season
Leeds Rhinos hooker Jarrod O’Connor has signed a two-year contract extension, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2028 Super League season.
The 24-year-old, who was Super League’s top tackler last season, has established himself as a key player for the Rhinos.
O’Connor was awarded the number nine squad number for the 2026 season after starting 22 of his 27 appearances as the team’s first-choice hooker last year.
Since making his debut for the Rhinos in 2020, O’Connor has become a familiar presence on the field, recording 124 appearances, six tries and two goals across five seasons. He also featured in the 2022 Grand Final at Old Trafford.
“I am incredibly proud to play for the Rhinos and I am excited about the future for this group of players,” O’Connor said.
“It is great to get the deal agreed before the season gets started and I am grateful to Ian Blease and Brad Arthur for the faith they have shown in me.
“We have got tremendous competition within our squad this season and that will only bring out the best in everyone, in training and games.”
“We are delighted to have agreed a long-term contract with Jarrod,” Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease said.
“He is one of our most consistent performers in training and games. He has matured into an established Super League regular now and it is a great boost to us to have him signed up for the next three seasons at least.”
Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur said: “Jarrod thoroughly deserves this new deal”
“He is a natural competitor who always strives to be better, which is a great attitude to have.
“He is a good example to our younger players, especially the versatility he has shown in adapting to becoming an established hooker in Super League, but he can also perform other roles for us too.”