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James McDonnell
2nd Row
Profile Bio
- Rep. Honour:
- Ireland (2022)
- BirthPlace:
- Wigan, United Kingdom
- Club:
- Wigan Warriors (2020-2022), York City Knights (Loan - 2021), Leigh Centurions (2022), Leeds Rhinos (2023-2026)
- Childhood Dream:
- Born in Wigan, James McDonnell grew up dreaming of playing for his hometown club, catching the eye playing junior rugby league for Wigan St Judes before earning his chance with Wigan Warriors' first team. With his path to regular first-grade football blocked by established internationals, McDonnell made the move to Leeds Rhinos in 2022, joining on a two-year deal after a standout loan spell in the Championship with Leigh Centurions, where he scored seven tries in 17 appearances. McDonnell quickly established himself at Headingley, starting in the back row in every game he played during his debut Leeds season in 2023 and cementing his place in the second row throughout 2024, starting 24 games. His rise from Championship bench player to genuine Super League quality was rapid, and in 2025 he was rewarded with selection in the Super League Dream Team — recognition as one of the competition's best players in his position. Since joining Leeds, McDonnell has made 102 appearances for the club, scoring 27 tries, and has continued to add strings to his game in 2026, already reaching double-figure tries for the first time in his career while remaining renowned as one of the competition's most reliable defensive forwards. McDonnell has also earned international honours, representing Ireland at Test level, adding a representative dimension to a career built on consistency and steady improvement at the highest level of the British game. Head Coach Mal Meninga said he had been following McDonnell's progress closely. "I've kept an eye on McDonnell for a few years now and I thought he really went to another level in 2025," Meninga said. "I'm confident he will develop more this season and I'm excited to see what he can bring to the Bears."
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