After Rhyse Martin decided not to extend his contract with Leeds Rhinos in 2025, the team will go out to recruit in an attempt to find a suitable replacement for one of its most successful players in recent memory.
Given that Martin has been a constant for Leeds this season, his decision to leave the Rhinos in favour of better terms with Hull KR in 2025 is a serious setback for the team.
But if Leeds decide to go that route with a quota space, they have lots of choices in Australia. These are a few of the most fascinating ones, with a face that is VERY recognisable.
Jacob Alick-Wiencke
A top player for Papua New Guinea but originally from Brisbane, could the Rhinos swap one Kumul for another in 2025?
Despite having a lot of talent, Alick has not had much playing time at Gold Coast in 2024. He would provide Leeds with crucial support in two places and be a straight replacement for Martin as a second row or centre player. Later this year, his contract expires as well.
Super League clubs are familiar with him as a player. At only 24 years old and with his best years ahead of him, he might be an ideal fit for the Rhinos.
Billy Burns
The 25-year-old, who signed a one-year contract with the Cronulla Sharks at the start of the season, is another who will be off-contract later this year.
Nevertheless, Burns has only made two NRL appearances for the Sharks. With just 16 NRL games in the last three seasons, he is a player whose career needs a reset and possibly a change of direction.
Could the back-rower, a fixture for the Newtown Jets in the New South Wales Cup, be a possibility for the Rhinos?
Joe Stimson
After playing for the Titans 23 times the previous season, back-rower Stimson has only played six times for Gold Coast this year. It doesn’t seem like he will be around for long.
A move abroad appears imminent, and although this one is a bit more of a long shot because NRL teams would be keen, Stimson is another player who Leeds will be keeping an eye on as they head into the international market equipped with a quota slot for Martin’s replacement.
Henry O’Kane
While he is still waiting for his NRL debut, the 22-year-old is starting to be noticed while playing for South Sydney’s second string in the New South Wales Cup.
Leeds will probably be looking for a direct replacement for someone who played every minute of every game in 2024 as he is a regular for the Bunnies in the NSW Cup and is capable of playing huge minutes as well.
It’s interesting to note that he also has an Ireland rugby league world cup cap from 2022.
John Bateman
Alright, we joke, or do we?
It looks like Bateman’s time at Wests is almost up. With all the information that has surfaced concerning his departure from the NRL, it seems unthinkable that he may have a chance to rejoin the Tigers.
His future at Warrington will be decided by events over the next few months, and who’s to say it won’t involve returning to the Super League with yet another team?
He’s a West Yorkshire lad who most Super League teams would benefit from if he could find his peak again. Is it possible?
