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Leeds Rhinos 2024 recruitment in a ‘good position’ as head coach Rohan Smith outlines key area
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith says the club’s recruitment for 2024 is in a good position, with one key area outlined by the head coach.
The Rhinos are yet to announce any signings for 2024, but Smith has confirmed that some deals have already been made.
Leeds are expected to lose youngsters Sam Walters and Liam Tindall at the end of the current campaign, while rising prospect Jack Sinfield, son of club legend Kevin, has recently committed his future to the club with a contract until the end of 2026.
Australian coach Smith, 42, has previously stated that negotiations are ongoing for the remaining off contract players at Headingley Stadium with a list that includes Blake Austin, James Bentley, James Donaldson, David Fusitu’a, Aidan Sezer and Zane Tetevano.
With attention also on short-term success and recruitment, Smith admits that the club are looking to bolster their youth ranks and promote from within, having done so with the likes of current first team players Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Harry Newman, Cameron Smith, Morgan Gannon and Tom Holroyd.
The long-term vision of the squad is something Smith has been keen to develop since his arrival midway through the 2022 campaign, with his first shot at recruitment including the likes of youngsters Luis Roberts, Toby Warren and Leon Ruan.
Rohan Smith: I think we’re in a good position
Providing an update on the club’s recruitment, Smith told media during his weekly press conference: “Lots of clubs over the years have made big decisions and big investments that haven’t gone the right way. So, we’re being conscience of taking our time in some aspects and having a development mind set and how any short-term decision is going to impact the long-term as well.
“I would say that things shift all the time. Any club is not in control of all of the decisions.
“Players are involved in their own career choices and so it’s working with that on a daily basis.
“Different players become potentially available as well. People that you didn’t consider were on the radar can become on the radar at some stage.
“I think we’re in a good position.
“We’ve got lots of young players in our squad that are going to improve and as I’ve said previously, some of our recruitment has already been done and the development is the big aspect of it.
“We’ve got some terrific players in our academy and scholarship programmes as well, so some of the recruitment is being done at a junior level and it’s about giving those kids time to grow and develop.”
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