Jake Connor, a back for the Huddersfield Giants, is increasingly set to join the Leeds Rhinos over the off-season, although that move certainly raises more questions than it does answers about the team’s makeup for the following season.

Although Connor’s versatility makes him a valuable addition to the squad, it also raises the question of where he would fit in the backline. Connor is capable of playing many positions across the backline.

Lachie Miller and Paul Momirovski, two foreign players who could play both of the positions Connor might play, were brought in by Leeds last year, and the team made significant recruiting moves in the backs division. As a result, one of these players would likely be forced out of position or even fired entirely.

However, how will this alter their backline’s appearance? Keeping that in mind, here’s a thorough analysis of what could appear wherever Connor plays in 2025.

In the event that Connor plays center

Although Connor has played more fullback for the Giants, center is where he excels. It could be a wise decision to bring him back to Headingley as he excelled here for Hull FC, recording the most assists in 2022 as a center. He has also previously made an impression for both England and Great Britain.

This also leaves some other options surrounding him. Here is a detailed analysis of the two probable backlines with Connor in the middle.

First choice: Matt Frawley, Lachie Miller, Brodie Croft, Ash Handley, Jake Connor, Harry Newman, and Ryan Hall

Under this scenario, Connor would move straight into the centers to take Paul Momirovski’s spot. Paul has been connected to a move away from Leeds ever before the first rumors of this audacious transfer surfaced. Harry Newman, the team’s current number three, has been the right center for Arthur during his tenure, therefore moving Connor to that position might also move Ash Handley to that flank, where he would receive more assists and be more involved in the game.

Second choice: Paul Momirovski, Brodie Croft, Matt Frawley, Lachie Miller, Ash Handley, Jake Connor, Harry Newman, and so on

If Arthur want to keep the former Sydney Rooster in his starting lineup, he may also choose to move Connor into the centers and push Paul Momirovski onto the wing. This is an additional option. The Australian has played on the wing for the Rhinos this season and appeared to be pretty comfortable. But once more, you would think he would move to the left flank, with Handley and Connor on the right edge.

Should Connor be a fullback

Ash Handley, Brodie Croft, Matt Frawley, Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, Paul Momirovski, and Jake Connor

Lachie Miller might not even be on the starting squad if Jake Connor enters the game as a fullback, but right now this seems like the less likely scenario. In Super League, Miller had a rocky beginning. But, after Arthur joined the team, he quickly turned things around. In the long run, though, having Connor in this position could aid in Miller’s development. Once more, it doesn’t appear likely that Connor will start at fullback. In light of this, Hall would subsequently go to the right wing, leaving Newman and Handley as the left edge combo.

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