Matt Parcell is set to deliver boost for Leeds Rhinos

Rhinos are understood to be close to completing the signing of Australian hooker Matt Parcell from NRL club Manly Sea Eagles.

The 24-year-old is set to take the place of Papua New Guinea star James Segeyaro, who has said he does not want to return to Leeds despite signing a new two-year contract in September.

Parcell starred for Ipswich Jets – coached by ex-Leeds stand-off Ben Walker – in the Queensland Cup before signing for Brisbane Broncos.

He made six appearances for Brisbane, under England coach Wayne Bennett, in 2015 and then signed a three-year deal with Manly.

He played 15 times for Sea Eagles this year – 11 as starting hooker – but is poised to be released from the remainder of his contract to enable him to join Rhinos.

Recruiting a highly-regarded young No 9 would be a coup for Rhinos following the loss of Segeyaro, whose arrival on loan from Penrith Panthers last season helped save them from relegation after a calamitous first half of the campaign.

Walker earlier this year described Parcell as a future State of Origin player.

Huddersfield Giants’ head coach Rick Stone has signed his No 1 close season target, Newcastle Knights full-back Jake Mamo.

Mamo has signed a two-year contract with the club.