Leeds Rhinos are keen on bringing Danny Levi back to Super League. Rugby League Live understands Rohan Smith has made the Samoa international a transfer target ahead of the 2024 season in a major development regarding the Rhinos' recruitment plans.
Levi, 26, is currently contracted to Canberra Raiders after leaving Huddersfield Giants for the NRL club at the end of last season. The hooker was a standout star for Ian Watson's side last year before ultimately being granted a release by the Giants after the Raiders came calling.
He was playing for Canberra at the beginning of the campaign but after breaking his jaw, he has made just one further NRL appearance and has most recently been playing in Canberra's reserve grade side. Sources have indicated that Canberra are set to part ways with one of their existing hookers but with Tom Starling highly rated and Zac Woolford currently above Levi in the pecking order, Leeds are attempting to lure Levi back to Super League. He is under contract for next season but Leeds are still interested in striking a deal.
Rohan Smith is known to be a big admirer of the hooker who has made over 100 NRL appearances during his career. The pair have previously worked together at Norths Devils, with Levi a key cog in Smith's Queensland Cup-winning side. It was that form that saw Huddersfield make their move and he was one of the leading hookers in Super League last year, narrowly missing out on Dream Team selection to James Roby.
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News of Leeds' interest is an interesting development to plans at Headingley. The Rhinos appear likely to have two quota spots free to use, with Aidan Sezer and Zane Tetevano both expected to depart while Blake Austin's future has yet to be decided. Levi would use one of those spots but another spine player would appear to be an area of focus still.
Levi provides a running threat within his game. He was second in Super League for dummy runs last year, with ex-Rhino Matt Parcell the only person to produce more. In 26 games he scored four tries and produced nine assists. Defensively, he had a tackle success rate of 93.9 per cent. If a deal is completed he would compete for a spot with Jarrod O'Connor and Corey Johnson, although the latter could prove to be an option in the halves next year following his impressive display against Salford on Sunday.
Mickael Goudemand is the only confirmed signing for the 2024 season so far but more are expected moving forward.
