Leeds Rhinos back rower Morgan Gannon has agreed terms on a three-year deal with the One New Zealand Warriors to the end of the 2028 season.
The 21-year-old Yorkshire-born Gannon will finish up with Leeds at the end of the 2025 season to join a growing number of Super League players lured to the NRL.
Since making his debut in 2021, he has appeared 60 times for the Rhinos in the Super League and Challenge Cup competitions in England.
“Morgan is a quality young forward and we’re excited to add him to our roster for 2026 and beyond,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“Players out of the Super League are having a growing influence in the NRL and we see Morgan adding to that with us.
“He’s keen to challenge himself in the NRL and we want to give him that opportunity.”
The One New Zealand Warriors secured Gannon despite the Rhinos making “a substantial offer” to keep him.
“We’ve been watching Morgan and we’re excited about what he has to offer our club,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He has a strong work ethic, runs hard lines, has ball playing ability and defends well. He’ll complement our back row forwards ne he'll prosper in our environment and in the NRL.”
The Rhinos said they are “extremely disappointed” to be losing Gannon but he said his decision was down to the lure of playing in the NRL.
“This is a great opportunity for me and one I had to take,” he said.
“I have spent time in Australia with my dad’s family and I know how big the game is over there.
“I would like to thank the Rhinos for everything they have done to support me and the offer they made to me but this move is nothing to do with money, it is something I want to challenge myself with.”
Morgan has strong rugby league bloodlines. His Australian father Jim Gannon, born in Newcastle, New South Wales, was coached by Webster during his time with Hull Kingston Rovers.
In a 16-season professional career from 1998 to 2013, front rower Gannon made almost 400 appearances in total, initially in two seasons with the Balmain Tigers in the NRL before moving to England where he had stints with Halifax, Huddersfield, Hull Kingston Rovers and Widnes before finishing his career back at Halifax.
Morgan Gannon’s older brother Jacob (23) is with York City in the English Championship.
Profile | Morgan Gannon
Born: December 2, 2003
Birthplace: Halifax, England
Junior club: Siddal, Yorkshire
Position: Back row
Height: 191cm
Weight: 101kg
Club: Leeds Rhinos
Debut: Leeds Rhinos v St Helens (Challenge Cup), Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, April 11, 2021
Career appearances: 60 (2021-2025)
Career points: 40 (10 tries)
Representative: England Knights (2021)
