NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS have confirmed that Morgan Gannon will be returning to Super League at the end of this season – with former club Leeds Rhinos the favourites to re-sign him.

That’s despite the 22-year-old still having two years to run on the contract signed last April.

Gannon will leave the Warriors for personal reasons, with Warriors chief executive Cameron George saying: “It’s a tough decision for Morgan but he has our support.

“We appreciate having him with us and look forward to him finishing the year strongly.”

Gannon has made just one NRL appearance for the Warriors, lasting only five minutes of his debut against Newcastle Knights in March before suffering a head injury.

The back-rower suffered numerous concussion issues during his time with the Rhinos, even sitting out a full season in 2024.

But he has since impressed in the New South Wales Cup competition, scoring three tries in five games for the Warriors’ second string.

Prior to his New Zealand move, Gannon made 73 appearances for the Rhinos, scoring 14 tries.

Some reports suggest Leeds have already secured a deal to bring their academy product back to AMT Headingley, although head coach Brad Arthur kept his cards close to his chest when asked about Gannon on Wednesday.

“We are aware of the situation,” Arthur said.

“But I think it is too early to make comments about it because I know it’s a personal issue with him at the moment.

“It’s better off leaving it out of the public eye.”

His return would be a welcome boost with five first-team stars already committed to new clubs from next season including back-rower James McDonnell, who has signed for Perth Bears.