In previous years, Leeds Rhinos made a point of completing the biggest signings in the Betfred Super League.
The Rhinos paid £350,000 for Iestyn Harris in 1997 prior to signing the likes of Jamie Peacock, Brent Webb, Buderus and Tom Briscoe to supplement their Golden Generation squad.
The Rhinos have gotten away from that in recent times despite paying £175,000 for Luke Gale in 2019.
But the Rhinos have shown their ambition drafting in the likes of Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft in a superb double swoop.
The move cost the Rhinos £300,000 with £200,000 used on Croft.
This is a real statement signing from the Rhinos and on this Gary Hetherington said:
“Well we’d asked about Brodie quite a long time, and that search has uncovered players in Australia, New Zealand and at home. It’s taken some time, but it’s been worth waiting for I’m sure.
“When Brodie did become available, he’s the type of outstanding individual that can make a difference. He’ll be a great favourite with the fans I’m sure. He’s a player that you want to watch, he’s worth watching and he’ll certainly add a lot of value to the squad.”
But worryingly for the rest of Super League, the Rhinos are still interested in more signings.
When asked if the squad is complete, Hetherington said: “Not quite, not quite, but it’s getting there now. We’ve got quite a lot of new faces in the squad next year. All very eager and determined to show what they can do. We’ve got some outstanding players anyway.
“We’ve got players who were injured for much of last season, all been back and fit and raring to go. We’ve got some outstanding young players who are also going to be competing as well. So the chemistry is outstanding and the mix is really good as well and it has been some time in the waiting.
“Although Rohan Smith inherited a squad 18 months ago, his squad for 2024 will be very much his squad; it will be a very changed squad, but an exciting one.”
The Rhinos are yet to announce the signing of a prop as well as potentially a winger.
