Leeds Rhinos have held talks with Newcastle Knights back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon. Rugby League Live understands the Rhinos have shown interest in signing the NRL forward, who is off-contract at the end of the season.
Fitzgibbon, 29, has an appetite for a stint in Super League and has been weighing up the idea of making the move for some time. Rugby League Live revealed earlier this year that the forward was a name that clubs had been told to consider and the Rhinos appear to have made further enquiries as a result.
This year, he has been an ever-present for Newcastle, the only NRL club he has represented since his debut in 2015. In total he has made 110 appearances, scoring 30 tries. He has averaged 33.5 tackles and 84 metres per game this season. When quizzed on his future earlier this month, he told the Newcastle Herald: "All options are on the table at the moment. I am off-contract. I want to have a really big year this year and finish strong. The way I play this year and the way we as a team play this year, I think it will look after itself. I'm not too sure what the future holds."
Read more: St Helens player ratings as Golden Point win doesn't overshadow performance
Leeds' interest may intensify if James Bentley is to leave the club. The Ireland international is off-contract and free to speak to rival clubs. His departure would certainly open the door for a new back-rower while Zane Tetevano, who has also played in that position, is off-contract too.
The Rhinos are likely to have quota spots available. Along with Tetevano, David Fusitu'a, Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer are also in the final months of their existing deals, with Sezer expected to depart. The Rhinos' recruitment plans have been steadily coming along, though they won't be signing Josh Hodson, the Batley Bulldogs centre who was a target. Heading out of the club are Sam Walters and Liam Tindall, who are joining Wigan Warriors and Hull FC respectively.
Read next
Every reported Super League transfer as recruitment heats up
- Paul Wellens hails gritty win as St Helens pile heartbreak on Leeds Rhinos
- Adrian Lam won’t let Leigh get ahead of themselves after beating Warrington
- Golden Point comes under scrutiny but key point ensures concept is here to stay
- Castleford Tigers set to sign Papua New Guinea World Cup star as rebuild continues
