Rohan Smith addresses transfer offers for two Leeds Rhinos players

Ash Handley is a one club man, having spent his entire career with the Leeds Rhinos. In 180 career appearances in Super League, Handley has scored 107 tries, including one in the recent win over London Broncos. He has been one of Leeds’ top performers this season, registering eight tries in eight appearances so far.

However, in recent weeks, speculation has emerged that Handley may be on the verge of leaving Headingley. A report in L’Indepandant linked Handley with a move to the Catalans Dragons.

The paper placed Handley on a shortlist of three targets the Perpignan side have identified, with NRL stars Daniel Tupou and Dallin Watene Zelezniak also mentioned.

Both of Catalans’ first-choice wingers will leave this summer, with Tom Johnstone expected to join Wakefield Trinity and Tom Davies reportedly set to sign for Hull KR.

Now, Leeds head coach, Rohan Smith, has addressed the speculation linking Ash Handley with a transfer away from the Rhinos.

Leeds Rhinos boss comments on Handley rumours

Earlier in the week, Leeds Chief Executive, Gary Hetherington, denied that there was any substance in the report. Now Smith has provided his opinion. When asked about the rumours, Smith stated that he was unaware of the link. Nor was he aware of Hetherington’s stance.

“I’m not aware of any of the speculation or anything that Gary said either.”

He then elaborated on this, adding: “I can’t add anything there. I haven’t been included in any conversation there

“But you know, Ash is a senior player in our group that’s playing well. I mean, he’s contracted for a couple of years, so I’m not sure where that sort of would arise from.

“He’s a big part of what we’re doing here and the way he’s played this season, you know, has been a testament to the work he’s put in. So he’s not a player we’d be wanting to lose.”

Smith provides update on transfer-linker players

Two key members of the Rhinos first-team squad are out of contract at the end of the season. Second rower, Rhyse Martin, and winger, Luis Roberts, could both leave Leeds if a new contract is not agreed.

However, Smith confirmed discussions are ongoing to extend their stay at Headingley.

“[Martin and Roberts] are both works in progress at the moment with these discussions. They’ve been had by club player and an agent so we’ll update as we as we have an update.”

Smith also provided an update on another Rhinos man who has been linked with a move away in recent weeks. Hooker, Corey Johnson, was a regular part of the Rhinos squad in the 2023 season. However, he has spent time on loan at Bradford Bulls this season, and his contract is set to expire at the end of 2024.

Johnson has been linked with a loan move to Halifax Panthers in recent days, and Smith addressed the link.

“There are some discussions around where Corey will be playing. They are ongoing and I’m not going to sort of confirm or deny that process until I get a notification myself.”