Gary Hetherington takes shot at transfer rumours but promises “strong squad” in 2024

We have seen Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity make announcements lately about transfers whether they’re arrivals or indeed exits.

Wakefield have snapped up Josh Griffin from Hull FC effective immediate whilst across Hull, the Robins have drafted in Brad Schneider from Canberra Raiders.

Warrington Wolves meanwhile have sighed Lachlan Fitzgibbon for 2024 beating Leeds to his signature with the Rhinos instead signing Mickael Goudemand as they lose Sam Walters to Wigan who will reunite with Kruise Leeming at the DW Stadium.

Leeds have been at the heart of a lot of rumours pertaining to the likes of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer’s future, a potential replacement in Tyrone Roberts and a surprise link with Danny Levi.

This has all now been addressed by Chief Executive Gary Hetherington in a message to fans.

He firstly thanked the Rhinos fans: “Firstly on behalf of Leeds Rhinos, I would like to thank you for your continued support of the club, especially as a valued member. Over the last three years we have all faced considerable challenges in the wake of the global pandemic and without your support, the future for our club would not be as bright as we hope it will be.”

He then went on to to take a shot at the links with players as he promised the development of a strong squad:

“I understand it can be frustrating for fans looking in from the outside, especially with the increase in click bait and gossip online that seeks to link us with any number of players.

“We all want a strong, stable and well-balanced squad with a central core of key players for both the present and future, along with others who can add value, just like we had many years ago.

“I do believe we are well placed to achieve what we are striving for. Talented young players like Max Simpson and Jack Sinfield have committed to long-term contracts and so have more experienced players like Ash Handley, Cameron Smith, Justin Sangare, Sam Lisone, Jarrod O’Connor and Nene Macdonald and we are on course to creating a new “core group” of players who will form a nucleus for many years to come.”

This development will also include looking overseas using Rohan Smith’s network of players:

“The overseas market has changed dramatically over the last two decades but Rohan’s extensive network of contacts in Australia and New Zealand leaves us well positioned to recruit the right people for our organisation.

“Mickael Goudemand has already signed and will add valuable experience. We we still have the flexibility to develop our squad for 2024 and beyond and that process is ongoing.