Leeds Rhinos end Royce Hunt interest
LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM — Leeds Rhinos Coach Brad Arthur ends interest in proRoyce Hunt. The AMT Headingley Stadium sits quietly on a Tuesday afternoon, but inside the press room, Arthur delivers a definitive answer.
The Leeds head coach steps to the microphone ahead of Thursday’s top-two showdown at Warrington Wolves. He has a decision to announce. The speculation ends here.
Arthur confirms the club has abandoned its pursuit of Samoa international Royce Hunt. The 30-year-old Wests Tigers prop, who made his NRL debut for Canberra Raiders in 2017 and played in the 2022 World Cup final, will not join Leeds for the 2027 season. Hunt remains under contract with Wests Tigers through 2027. The talks are over.”The talks with Royce have dropped off,” said Arthur in a press conference.
The hunt began in late May when an Australian journalist reported Leeds were chasing the forward. Arthur confirmed that some discussions had taken place with Hunt and several other NRL players. Hunt was one of quite a few players offered to Leeds as potential transfer targets.
“The talks with Royce have dropped off. We have to make sure we get the right people in. It's not just about talent. It's about fit, timing, and what they bring from day one." Said Arthur in an interview.”
Leeds faces significant roster turnover. Five first-choice players centre stand-offBrodie Croft, prop Mikolaj Oledzki, second-row James McDonnell, and loose-forward Cameron Smith — leave at season’s end. Jack Bird arrived from Wests Tigers earlier this year. Home-grown George Brown will succeed Croft in the number six jersey.
Hunt suffered a pectoral injury last weekend, ending his 2026 NRL season. But Arthur insists the injury did not influence the decision.
“I think it happened before that. We are big on preseason training. Especially with a new guy coming into the environment. It's good for them to train with the group. That's where you get your benefit, which shows on the field. " Said Arthur in an interview.”
Arthur sits at the press conference table. His expression is measured. His words are final. The Australian coach, born in Sydney in May 1974, now calls the United Kingdom home after signing a new contract through 2028. He has rebuilt Leeds into Super League leaders.
He speaks with clarity. No ambiguity. The decision is made. Arthur values preparation above all. He believes new signings must train with the group from the start. That shapes his recruitment philosophy.
Wests Tigers prop Royce Hunt takes a tackle during NRL match against Manly Sea Eagles at Sancorp Stadium in Brisbane, May 16, 2026. Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Leeds abandons the Hunt chase. Arthur denies the injury factor. He stresses that preseason training integration is critical for new signings.
The tension sits in timing. Hunt’s season-ending pectoral injury could have provided a convenient exit. Arthur rejects that narrative. The talks dropped off before the injury, he says.
The stakes are clear. Leeds needs a middle-forward. Hunt filled that need. Now Arthur must look elsewhere. The club searches for a new target while five starters prepare to exit.
The tipping point remains unspoken. Arthur prioritizes players who can complete a full preseason with the squad. Hunt’s injury, though not the stated reason, would have prevented that. The coach’s philosophy wins.
Leeds Rhinos fans expected a major NRL signing. Instead, they get a redirection. The club continues searching for a middle-forward. A deal is understood to be done to bring back-rower back to Head gley after a season with New Zealand Warriors. But Hunt’s absence leaves a gap in the pack.
For the West Tigers, Hunt remains contracted through 2027. Leeds moves on. The competitive implications ripple through both clubs’ roster planning.
Arthur looks ahead. Five players leave at season’s end. No new 2027 recruits announced, yet Gannon returns. The middle forward search continues.
Arthur’s decision reflects his philosophy. He wants players who train from day one. Hunt’s injury, regardless of timing, prevented that. The coach moves forward.
Leeds Rhinos play Warrington Wolves in the next fixture. The transfer window remains open, and the hunt for a new target begins.