Leeds boss Rohan Smith ‘not looking to replace’ outgoing hooker Kruise Leeming

Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has stated that he will not immediately seek out a replacement for hooker Kruise Leeming, despite the player unexpectedly handing in his transfer request last week before the defeat at Castleford. Instead, Smith has praised 21-year-old Jarrod O’Connor on his sporting abilities and expressed his belief in him being an “80-minute proposition” for the team. Corey Johnson remains another option for Smith. Leeming himself could be set to play his rugby in Australia’s NRL next season.

Leeming, who captained the club in the 2022 Grand Final, has undoubtedly been a key player for Leeds, with his departure appearing to come as a surprise to Smith. Nevertheless, he is continuing to prepare his team for upcoming fixtures, such as the one against unbeaten Catalans Dragons at Headingley on Saturday.

Smith has also not ruled out the option of strengthening the squad in the coming weeks or months, though he emphasised O’Connor’s role in the team for the time being. Johnson has returned from a back injury and is currently on loan with Championship side Bradford. It is not clear who could potentially replace Leeming in the long term, given his success with the club and all that he has brought to the team.

For now, Smith is confident in the players at his disposal and maintains his focus on the fixtures ahead. Leeds Rhinos will be hoping to bounce back and find their winning form, regardless of Leeming’s departure or current transfer negotiations.



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