Leeds Rhinos Land Experienced International Hooker Danny Levi Ahead of 2026 Season
- Super League Raw
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
Leeds Rhinos have today confirmed the signing of hooker Danny Levi on a two-year deal ahead of the 2026 Betfred Super League campaign. The move marks Levi’s return to the Super League having left the Huddersfield Giants for the Canberra Raiders were he has been for the last three seasons.
What Levi Brings to Leeds
Pace and Energy Around the Ruck
Levi’s striking speed around the play-the-ball has long been one of his standout attributes. Leeds’ coaching staff believe his quickness will help accelerate their ruck speed, providing a dynamic link between the forwards and the halves.
Defensive Toughness
He comes with a reputation for being a gritty, willing defender. Having played in both the NRL and Super League, Levi has been tested in high-pressure environments and brings that resilience to Headingley.
Leadership & Experience
At 29, Levi brings maturity and a wealth of experience. He has played at the highest level across multiple leagues and on the international stage for New Zealand and Samoa, and is expected to be a voice of leadership in the Rhinos’ spine.
Strategic Depth
With the departure of Andy Ackers, Levi fills a key vacancy at No. 9. His arrival gives Leeds both a proven starter and a strategic operator in attack, helping to reinforce the squad’s energy, ambition, and depth.
Career to Date: Levi’s Journey
Early Life & Development
Levi was born on 5 December 1995 in Wellington, New Zealand, and played junior footy for the Randwick Kingfishers.
NRL Beginnings
He moved to Australia as a teenager and was signed by the Newcastle Knights, making his NRL debut in 2015.
Newcastle Knights (2015–2019): Made 83 appearances for the Knights.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: Spent the 2020 season at Manly, adding further NRL experience.
Brisbane Broncos: In 2021, Levi played for the Broncos, continuing to develop his craft.
Super League – First Stint
Levi first came to Super League in 2022, signing with Huddersfield Giants on a two-year deal.
He played strongly during that season, missing only two regular games, and made a real impact with his distribution and running game.
Return to the NRL
After his Super League spell, Levi returned to Australia, joining the Canberra Raiders for the 2023–2025 seasons.
During his time at Canberra, his first-grade appearances were limited, but he provided valuable depth at hooker.
Official NRL records, Levi made 28 appearances for the Raiders across that period.
International Career
New Zealand: Levi has represented the Kiwis, earning test caps (Kiwi #806).
Samoa: He later switched allegiance and has also played for Samoa.
Off the Field
Levi is known not just for his rugby league but also for his extracurricular interests. Earlier in his career, he created a side business as a barber and even hosts a podcast called “Cut to the Point” while cutting hair.
Reaction & Outlook
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur expressed his excitement at the acquisition:
“Danny is a player with proven quality at the highest level. His speed around the ruck, defensive toughness, and leadership will be a massive asset for us. We’ve been deliberate in building a squad with energy, ambition and depth, and Danny fits that profile perfectly.”
From Levi’s perspective, he described his move as a “fresh chapter”:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Leeds Rhinos. The club has an incredible history, a loyal fanbase, and a vision for the future that I’m excited to be part of. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Super League Raw Bottom line: This is a smart, high-impact signing for Leeds. Levi’s combination of speed, experience, and leadership should help solidify their spine and provide a potent weapon around the ruck. For Levi, it’s a meaningful return to Super League — and an opportunity to make a significant mark at Headingley.
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