Leeds Rhinos ramp up 2027 recruitment as Nick Cotric follows Edenn Rogers-Smith from Catalans Dragons
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed a second signing ahead of Saturday's League Leaders' Shield decider against Wigan Warriors.
Nick Cotric will join Catalans Dragons team-mate Edenn Rogers-Smith at Headingley next season after signing a four-year contract.
Three-quarter Cotric scored 63 tries in 149 NRL games across spells with Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs before moving to Super League in time for the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old has crossed 10 times in 48 appearances since joining the Dragons.
Cotric, who represented Australia and New South Wales in 2019, is convinced this year's title challenge is just the start for Leeds.
"I am really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos and am looking forward to getting started," he said.
"Leeds is a massive club with a great history and a huge supporter base. I am really looking forward to experiencing that at AMT Headingley.
"I have enjoyed my time in Super League and I feel that I still have plenty to offer. The opportunity to work with Brad (Arthur) and the coaching staff and to be part of what Ian (Blease) and the club are building was a big factor in my decision.
"I am coming to Leeds determined to work hard, contribute to the team and hopefully help the club challenge for trophies."
Arthur, whose side will clinch the League Leaders' Shield with victory this weekend, believes the new signings can take the Rhinos to another level next season.
"It is great to have both Nick and Edenn joining us for 2027," said the Leeds boss. "They are two different players who bring qualities that we believe will make our squad better.
"Nick has a huge amount of experience for his age. He has played at the highest level in the NRL, represented his state and country and has now had two seasons of Super League experience.
"He is strong, athletic and understands what it takes to perform at the top level."
Cotric and Rogers-Smith will join fellow new signings Dylan Walker and Morgan Gannon at Headingley next season.
Blease has hinted that more additions are on the way for the Rhinos.
"We are delighted to have agreed deals with Nick and Edenn," said the club's sporting director. "Both players have different stories and different attributes but we believe they are the right profiles for our squad.
"Nick's experience speaks for itself. To have played nearly 150 NRL games, represented New South Wales and Australia and then established himself in Super League shows the level he has operated at. He has also gained a good understanding of the competition and what is required to play here.
"There is still plenty of work to do between now and the start of next season but these are two important additions to our squad. We believe both players can make a significant contribution to the Rhinos."