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Leeds Rhinos Women duo Bella Sykes and Izzy Northrop heading to Australia

Izzy Northrop and Bella Sykes leaving Leeds Rhinos to take up opportunity to play rugby league in Australia; Sky Sports is the only place to watch every Super League game live in 2026

Monday 26 January 2026 12:03, UK

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 10/05/2025 - Rugby League - Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Semi Final - Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors - LNER Community Stadium, York, England - Izzy Northrop.
Image: Izzy Northrop will be taking on the challenge of playing rugby league in Australia

Leeds Rhinos Women have announced Bella Sykes and Izzy Northrop are both leaving the club to take up new opportunities in Australia.

Northrop recently travelled to Australia following the completion of her PGCE at Newcastle University and her teaching role, and has made the decision to make the move permanent.

The prop, who joined the Rhinos in 2023 from Huddersfield Giants, has taken up an opportunity to play for BMD Premiership side Norths Devils.

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Northrop said: "I have loved my time at Leeds Rhinos and I am grateful for the opportunity the club gave me. I leave with many fond memories, including playing in the Women's Challenge Cup final twice at Wembley and I have made lifelong friends.

"I wish the Rhinos all the best and will be following and cheering them on from over here and I would love to return to the club one day."

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Meanwhile, Sykes, who will complete her studies at Leeds Beckett University later this year, has also informed the club that she will also be moving to Australia to play in the NSW Women's Premiership.

Sykes, who also joined the Rhinos from Giants in 2023, is also set to move down under later in the year on completion of her degree in physical education.

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Sykes said: "It's been a super difficult decision to make as I've loved my time at the Rhinos. The club and girls have been great and loved every moment. The opportunity came about to move over to Australia and play in the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership and the challenge to go over and develop my game is super exciting to me.

"I'm hoping it makes me both better as a player and a person and push me to be at my best. I was honoured to make my England debut in 2024 and I want to continue to put my hand up for selection when I am in Australia."

Leeds Rhinos Women's head coach Lois Forsell said: "Both players have gone from strength to strength since joining Leeds and it's been great to see them develop and go on to earn international honours.

"We wish them all the best in the next chapter of their careers and thank them for all they have given to the club. We continue to develop our squad, the girls are working hard throughout pre-season and we are looking forward to getting going in April."

2026 Super League - key dates and what to look out for

  • Opening night: Thu Feb 12: York Knights v Hull KR, 8pm (Sky Sports)
  • World Club Challenge: Thu Feb 19: Hull KR v Brisbane Broncos, 7:30pm (Sky Sports)
  • Rugby League in Las Vegas: Sat Feb 28: Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos, TBC (Sky Sports)
  • Super League's 30th birthday: Thu Mar 26: Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports)
  • Rivals Round: April 3-April 5
  • Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6:30 UK (Sky Sports)
  • Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
  • Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
  • Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
  • Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
  • Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.

Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+

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