Leeds hooker confirms departure

Leeds Rhinos hooker Shaun Lunt has confirmed he has left the club.

The 32-year-old re-joined the Rhinos in June as part of a swap deal that saw Matt Parcell move to Hull KR.

He went on to play six games for Leeds as the club finished eighth and secured Super League survival.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds’ Rugby League panel, however, Lunt confirmed he won’t be staying at Emerald Headingley next season and is speaking to other clubs.

“I just think Richard wanted to go elsewhere and look at other options,” he said. “It wasn’t meant to be, I would have loved to stay there, but things in life aren’t given to you so unfortunately that wasn’t an option, but I’m just looking to the future now.

? ‘I’d love to stay in Super League but i’m open to all options.’

? Former @leedsrhinos & @Giantsrl star @Shaun_Lunt discusses his future on the @BBCLeeds Rugby League Panel.

? Full programme ⬇️
? https://t.co/ScukNSqrPL pic.twitter.com/MZs016fVlY

— BBC West Yorkshire Sport (@WYSdaily) October 8, 2019

“I’ve got a lot of rods in the fire at the moment.

“I can’t wait to get back in, signed for a team and actually have a pre-season. When you play rugby and you’ve not had a pre-season everything is so hard. For me now I feel brilliant and better than I did before I got sepsis.

“For me, even though it’s been a traumatic event, I’m actually trying to look at the positive side and say I feel as fresh as I’ve ever done. It could actually prolong my career in the long run.

“I’d be open to do anything, I’m speaking to my manager, I’d love to stay in Super League, but if I had to go to the Championship or abroad I’m open to all options.”