After months of speculation that Nick Cotric would return to the NRL, it appears he might not after all.
In June this year, the 27-year-old told CODE Sports he was open to returning to Australia, believing his best football is ahead of him.
WWOS reported in June that the former Dally M Rookie of the Year wanted to come home for 2027, and that the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Illawarra Dragons were the two clubs interested in his services.
Cotric left the Canberra Raiders at the end of the 2024 season to join the Catalans Dragons in the Super League on a three-year deal.
Now, Love Rugby League reports that the Leeds Rhinos, coached by former Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur, are the favourites to land Cotric.
The Rhinos have targeted Cotric as one of 'the final pieces on their squad', and there is growing confidence that they will sign Cotric leading into the 2027 season.
Currently under contract with the Catalans Dragons next year, Love Rugby League also reported that a deal allowing the winger to move to the Rhinos is in progress.
Arthur and the Rhinos have addressed gaps in their squad for 2027, signing Morgan Gannon from the New Zealand Warriors and Parramatta Eels utility Dylan Walker.
This season in the Super League, Cotric ranks fifth in the competition for tackle busts, making 107 in 21 games, and also averages 95 running metres per game.
Since joining the Catalans Dragons in 2025, Cotric has scored six tries in 42 appearances.
The Dragons are in 8th place on the ladder with nine wins and play the Castleford Tigers, the York Knights and the Wigan Warriors to finish the season.
