Expectations are high at Leeds Rhinos after a number of big signings for the 2024 season such as Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers and Lachie Miller which has some believing that they could challenge Wigan Warriors, St Helens and co for Super League glory.
However, Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin was quick to point out that despite their notable signings, they have lost a key player in Wigan Warriors bound Sam Walters.
On Sky, Wilkin said: “They’ve not just got two great players from Salford that they pinched from Salford’s pocket, but the chemistry between them too is really interesting.
“We’ve also got Matt Frawley who comes in and he’ll be steering that ship around. Lachie Miller at full-back, they’ve recruited really well, but then it’s about combinations and whether that gels. And when we talk about who they’ve lost, they’ve lost Sam Walters.”
As he spoke about Walters, he said that the forward left over a dispute over a few thousand pounds: “He was one of the best players for Leeds last year, a young front-rower. We’re going to do him fantastically well in the transfer market by signing somebody like that. And I believe it was only over a pay dispute of a few thousand pounds.”
Leeds Rhinos star joins Wigan Warriors
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 25/03/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons – Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England – Leeds’ Sam Walters celebrates the win.
The 22-year-old joined the Warriors on a 3-year deal. Walters is a Halton Farnworth Hornets junior and joined the Rhinos Academy from Widnes Vikings in 2019, going on to win Academy Player of the Year in his first season.
He made his Super League debut in the back-row for the Rhinos against Catalans Dragons in September 2020 and has played over 20 Super League games for the Club. He started from the bench in the 2022 Super League Grand Final and has also had loan spells at Batley Bulldogs and Bradford Bulls.
On signing for the Club, Walters said: “I am looking forward to joining Wigan Warriors next season. To be part of such a successful team is exciting and I can’t wait to develop my game and become a small part in future success.
He added: “Thank you to Leeds Rhinos for the last few years but I felt the time was right for me to take on this challenge. “
Wigan Head Coach Matt Peet said: “Sam has the skill and stature to play through the middle or as a back rower. We look forward to welcoming him and supporting him to fulfil his undoubted potential.“
