Stevo reveals what he thinks happened between Kruise Leeming and Rohan Smith

When it was finally confirmed that former Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming will be joining Gold Coast Titans he made an interesting statement.

The 27-year-old has 187 games of Super League experience, scoring a try in last season’s grand final.

He has signed a deal with the Queensland club which will keep him there for the rest of the season.

Following this, for the first time since news of his exit was revealed, Leeming has spoken out revealing an interesting reason for his sudden departure.

He took to Instagram to say:

“I have loved playing for Leeds Rhinos and I am immensely proud to have captained the club to a Challenge Cup victory and the Grand Final last season. I have always given my absolute best for the club and that is why I am sad my time at the club has come to a premature end,” Leeming began his statement.

He then suggests that the move suits Rohan Smith’s desires, stating:

“To play at Headingley in front of the amazing support has been an honour and a privilege, I wish the team and the club every success however it is my understanding that this move suits the coaches wishes and I know this is how things go in professional sport.”

He went on to thank the likes of Gary Hetherington and former coach Richard Agar:

“I have nothing but admiration for what Gary Hetherington has done at Leeds and would like to thank him, Kevin Sinfield, Richard Agar and Jamie Jones Buchanan for making my time at the club so special.

“Look forward to meeting my new teammates and a new challenge in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans.”

Following this, former Sky Sports commentator Stevo claimed that Rohan Smith has decided Leeming isn’t the style of nine he wants and that there will have been an argeement between the two with Leeming unable to adapt.

“Well he’s a great player obviously. Smith at Leeds decided that he wasn’t the style of hooker that they needed but I’ve got to say O’Connor has fitted in exceptionally well. He’s playing out of his skin,” he said on the Eddie and Stevo podcast.

“Look if a coach says ‘I want you to play this way’ and the player says ‘I’m not used to playing that well’, then shake hands, see you later, he jumps on a plane. To my opinion that’s exactly what he’s done.”