Leeds Rhinos sign Castleford Tigers youngster Kieran Hudson

Leeds Rhinos are certainly going to be busy in the transfer market now with a number of holes in the squad that need addressing and a fan base determined for their club to return to the playoffs following a disappointing 2023 season.

One of those holes within the squad is in the pack with the exits of Zane Tetevano and Sam Walters creating a need for a prop or two ahead of the 2024 season.

It seems Leeds have their man in the shape of Castleford Tigers youngster Kieran Hudson.

It was reported by Leeds Live that the young prop had signed for Leeds and those reports have been confirmed by Castleford Tigers Head of Recruitment Danny Wilson.

He explained: “Lee Radford identified him and got him over, we had to agree to a friendly to take Kieran early which we did. He spent that time with us. Pre-season he ripped it up and came back, he was in incredible shape and we were thinking he could play ten Super League games this year. We heard a snap and he was on the floor.

“It was a terrible time, he has been with us all year, we have rehabbed him and he is excited for the future. There was a point where we sat down with him and expressed that another club had come in from him. We matched the offer and he chose to go.

“I think he has got family connections with Leeds. We want people that want to play for Castleford Tigers.”

He also spoke more widely about recruitment:

“At the minute there would be money held back from the playing budget, hopefully we get more investment in.

“The TV money is smaller, fans are massively important to revenue. The impact of that TV money, in order to run a sustainable club, holding some back is the way the club want to go.

“You can spend the full cap, we spent it this year in a relegation battle but spending cap doesn’t mean you will win every week. As long as you manage it well, there is no reason why you can’t have a good crack.

“There is a plan, there is a mindset we need to form at Castleford.”