“Recruitment is ongoing” – Rohan Smith gives Leeds Rhinos recruitment update

Leeds Rhinos have made a number of new signings going into 2023.

In 2022, the Rhinos looked set for a relegation battle and were second bottom in April when Rohan Smith was unveiled as their new boss.

Meanwhile, by the time he arrived in May things weren’t much better. However, he soon had a huge impact on the club guiding them all the way to an unlikely Grand Final where they came up short.

It will be six years since Leeds last won the Grand Final by the time the 2023 decider finishes and the goal has to be to go one step further in 2023.

Smith has a very clear vision in terms of recruitment with Smith chasing predominately young players who fit the mould he is trying to develop at Headingley.

In total they have signed Nene MacDonald from Leigh Leopards, Sam Lisone from the NRL, Derrell Olpherts from Castleford Tigers, Justin Sangare from Toulouse Olympique, James McDonnell from Wigan Warriors, Luke Hooley from Batley Bulldogs, Luis Roberts from Leigh, Toby Warren from York and Leon Ruan from Doncaster.

But has their recruitment finished there?

On Monday, Smith gave the following brief update on recruitment including his signature line:

“Recruitment is an ongoing puzzle. There’s nothing imminent.”

Smith always believes recruitment is on going and is no doubt planning what the 2024 squad will look like already.

However, no new signings seem set to arrive prior to 2023.