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The NZ Warriors have made another significant addition to their roster, securing the services of Leeds Rhinos back-rower, Morgan Gannon. The 21-year-old Yorkshire-born player has agreed to a three-year term with the Warriors, extending till the end of the 2028 season.
Gannon's signing comes as he prepares to wrap up his tenure with Leeds at the conclusion of the 2025 season. His move to the NRL highlights a growing trend of Super League players seeking new challenges and opportunities in the Australian competition.
Since his Super League debut in 2021, Gannon has made a sizeable impact with 60 appearances for the Rhinos in both Super League and Challenge Cup competitions. Andrew McFadden, the NZ Warriors' General Manager of Recruitment, Pathways, and Development, spoke highly of the young forward. "Morgan is a quality young forward and we’re excited to add him to our roster for 2026 and beyond. Players out of the Super League are having a growing influence in the NRL and we see Morgan adding to that with us," he said.
The signing of Gannon by the NZ Warriors came despite a "substantial offer" from the Rhinos to keep him. Andrew Webster, the head coach of the NZ Warriors, is equally excited about what Gannon will bring to the squad. "He has a strong work ethic, runs hard lines, has ball playing ability and defends well. He’ll complement our back row forwards and we believe he'll prosper in our environment and in the NRL," he stated.
Gannon's decision to join the Warriors was influenced by the allure of playing in the NRL. He expressed his gratitude to the Rhinos for their support and the offer they made. "This is a great opportunity for me and one I had to take. This move is nothing to do with money, it is something I want to challenge myself with," Gannon explained.
Gannon comes from a strong rugby league lineage. His Australian father, Jim Gannon, was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, and was coached by Webster during his time with Hull Kingston Rovers. Over a 16-season professional career, senior Gannon made almost 400 appearances, starting with the Balmain Tigers in the NRL before moving to England.
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)
The NZ Warriors community has shown mixed reactions to Gannon's signing on forums such as nzwarriors.com, with some expressing excitement about the young talent's potential, while others are cautiously optimistic given the Warriors' current standings in the NRL ladder. Despite the varied sentiments, most fans agree that Gannon's addition to the team will undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the Warriors' gameplay.
Gannon's signing comes as he prepares to wrap up his tenure with Leeds at the conclusion of the 2025 season. His move to the NRL highlights a growing trend of Super League players seeking new challenges and opportunities in the Australian competition.
Since his Super League debut in 2021, Gannon has made a sizeable impact with 60 appearances for the Rhinos in both Super League and Challenge Cup competitions. Andrew McFadden, the NZ Warriors' General Manager of Recruitment, Pathways, and Development, spoke highly of the young forward. "Morgan is a quality young forward and we’re excited to add him to our roster for 2026 and beyond. Players out of the Super League are having a growing influence in the NRL and we see Morgan adding to that with us," he said.
The signing of Gannon by the NZ Warriors came despite a "substantial offer" from the Rhinos to keep him. Andrew Webster, the head coach of the NZ Warriors, is equally excited about what Gannon will bring to the squad. "He has a strong work ethic, runs hard lines, has ball playing ability and defends well. He’ll complement our back row forwards and we believe he'll prosper in our environment and in the NRL," he stated.
Gannon's decision to join the Warriors was influenced by the allure of playing in the NRL. He expressed his gratitude to the Rhinos for their support and the offer they made. "This is a great opportunity for me and one I had to take. This move is nothing to do with money, it is something I want to challenge myself with," Gannon explained.
Gannon comes from a strong rugby league lineage. His Australian father, Jim Gannon, was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, and was coached by Webster during his time with Hull Kingston Rovers. Over a 16-season professional career, senior Gannon made almost 400 appearances, starting with the Balmain Tigers in the NRL before moving to England.
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)
The NZ Warriors community has shown mixed reactions to Gannon's signing on forums such as nzwarriors.com, with some expressing excitement about the young talent's potential, while others are cautiously optimistic given the Warriors' current standings in the NRL ladder. Despite the varied sentiments, most fans agree that Gannon's addition to the team will undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the Warriors' gameplay.