Rugby League Feb 11, 2026

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

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Leeds Rhinos Women duo Bella Sykes and Izzy Northrop heading to 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.

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."

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.

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."

Your Site 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

Tags:

rugby-league news

Share this article

Related Posts

Hull KR coach Willie Peters delivers seething verdict on massive Super League loss to Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas: We let our fans down

Hull KR coach Willie Peters delivers seething verdict on massive Super League loss to Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas: We let our fans down

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters said his side delivered their worst performance under him as they "let their fans down" with a 58-6 loss to Leeds Rhi...

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos experience the best and worst of times as the bright lights of Las Vegas dazzle some

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos experience the best and worst of times as the bright lights of Las Vegas dazzle some

One of Charles Dickens' most-quoted lines is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. That is the best way to sum up Hull KR vs Leeds Rh...

Super League: Bradford Bulls beat Toulouse in 18-6 home win after Ethan Ryan hat-trick hands French side first loss of season

Super League: Bradford Bulls beat Toulouse in 18-6 home win after Ethan Ryan hat-trick hands French side first loss of season

Ethan Ryan scored a hat-trick as Bradford battled past Toulouse 18-6 at Odsal to inflict a first Betfred Super League defeat on the French side.The Bu...

Hull KR coach Willie Peters delivers seething verdict on massive Super League loss to Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas: We let our fans down

Hull KR coach Willie Peters delivers seething verdict on massive Super League loss to Leeds Rhinos in Las Vegas: We let our fans down

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters said his side delivered their worst performance under him as they "let their fans down" with a 58-6 loss to Leeds Rhi...

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos experience the best and worst of times as the bright lights of Las Vegas dazzle some

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos experience the best and worst of times as the bright lights of Las Vegas dazzle some

One of Charles Dickens' most-quoted lines is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. That is the best way to sum up Hull KR vs Leeds Rh...

Super League: Bradford Bulls beat Toulouse in 18-6 home win after Ethan Ryan hat-trick hands French side first loss of season

Super League: Bradford Bulls beat Toulouse in 18-6 home win after Ethan Ryan hat-trick hands French side first loss of season

Ethan Ryan scored a hat-trick as Bradford battled past Toulouse 18-6 at Odsal to inflict a first Betfred Super League defeat on the French side.The Bu...