“Staggeringly poor decision” – Leeds Rhinos fans furious at star man’s departure

Leeds Rhinos are set to lose one of their young stars Sam Walters to Wigan Warriors at the end of the year.

Walters, alongside teammate and good friend Jarrod O’Connor, joined Leeds Rhinos after Widnes Vikings’ financial issues.

Both were tipped for big things and debuted together in 2020 against Catalans Dragons as Leeds had to balance their Challenge Cup run with mid-week Super League games during the pandemic.

Walters crossed for his first try that season against Warrington Wolves and a few years later both he and O’Connor are key players for the Rhinos as they battle for the play-offs.

But they are set to part ways with Walters linking up with a former Leeds hooker in former Huddersfield Giants star Kruise Leeming at Leeds as O’Connor continues to replace Leeming at Leeds.

Walters has been excellent this season especially on Sunday against Warrington.

This has only exacerbated the despair from some Leeds fans especially when brilliant Stats Page Stat Man Rhys highlighted Walters showing on social media.

One Leeds fan wanted to stop being reminded by his departure.

Stop reminding me 😂. He’d be a shoe in for the 10 shirt if he was staying. Ahead of Holroyd imo.

— Steven Hodgson 💙💛 (@86Hodgson) August 21, 2023

Whilst another said they felt sick over his departure.

He's a genuine threat near the opposition line. He's only going to get better. Feel sick every time he does something good 🤣.

— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) August 21, 2023

Some fans were certainly questioning the club’s approach.

It's always "if they don't want to be here let them leave" until it's a decent player I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️

— just like a guy (@OriginalHobson) August 21, 2023

One fan even described it as a “staggeringly poor decision.”

Staggeringly poor decision not to sort his long term future

— James Pearson (@JamesPearson25) August 21, 2023

As fans in general said the Rhinos would regret the decision.

Feel like we’ll live to regret this one for a while, but that being said, his outstretched arm celebration to opposing fans rubs me up the wrong way (sure it will doubly when he scores at Headingley next year…)

— Tom Caulton (@TICaulton) August 21, 2023

It was noted how good of a signing it is for Wigan however.

Great signing for @WiganWarriorsRL
Will be an International regular for sure in the next few years

— Craig Boot (@CraigBoot85) August 20, 2023

But ultimately Leeds fans are not happy.

Why didn’t we give Sam Walters the money and contract he wanted, he’s absolutely fantastic!

— South Leeds Allstars (@sl_allstars) August 20, 2023

On signing for the Warriors, Walters recently 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.“

Walters will still remain a key part of the Rhinos for the rest of the season.