Leeds Rhinos star man rewarded with new shirt number in strong hint to 2023 line-up
Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com - 16/09/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Semi Final - Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos - DW Stadium, Wigan, England - Leeds Rhinos Cameron Smith celebrates after the game Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos SWP-1853-0051
Cameron Smith has secured his long-term future with Leeds Rhinos and with it a new squad number.
Smith has signed a contract until the end of 2026 at Headingley but perhaps more importantly, he has been handed the shirt number of one of the club’s greatest ever players.
From next season, the 24-year-old will don Kevin Sinfield’s legendary number 13 shirt having previously worn the number 17.
Zane Tetavano, who is still at the club, has worn the number 13 for the last two seasons but he is now expected to switch to number 10 following the retirment of Matt Prior.
This will see Tetevano line up in the front row alongside Mikolaj Oledzki, with Smith at his preferred position of loose forward having featured in the halves during the 2022 Super League Grand Final due to Aidan Sezer’s injury.
Speaking to the club website, Smith said: “The number 13 shirt has so much history and heritage here at Leeds and to see my name above that number on the shirt is incredibly special to me and my family.”
What does it mean to Cameron Smith to be awarded the famous Leeds 1⃣3⃣ shirt? Watch the moment he sees his name and number printed on a Rhinos shirt for the first time…wow!
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) November 30, 2022
Leeds Rhinos will confirm their complete 2023 squad numbers in full this Friday 2nd December.